James is a music aficionado who has excelled in the art of integrating his favored tunes into his daily life, easily shifting from Spotify at his workdesk to Pandora on his runs, and meticulously crafting playlists to beautifully enhance every activity, whether he’s working out, whipping up a meal, or immersed in a gaming session. His headphones are his continual partners, converting his life into a fully soundtracked experience. James takes comfort and delight in the engaging world of music, but the very source of his happiness may be harming his cherished ability to hear without him realizing it.
Regarding our ears, there are both safe and hazardous ways to enjoy music. Regrettably, many of us tend to incline towards the latter.
How does prolonged music exposure lead to hearing loss?
Over time, loud noises can bring about deterioration of your ability to hear. Hearing loss is commonly connected to getting older, but recent studies suggest that it is mostly triggered by damage from exposure to loud sounds instead of being a normal part of getting older.
It also appears that younger ears are especially susceptible to noise-related damage (they’re still forming, after all). However, teenagers tend to dismiss the possible dangers of excessive noise over time. A growing amount of young individuals are experiencing hearing loss as a result of frequent use of loud headphones.
Can one listen to music without any safety issues?
Unrestricted max volume is obviously the” hazardous” way to listen to music. There is a way to enjoy to music more safely, which typically means decreasing the volume. The suggested safe volume levels are usually as follows:
- Adults should restrict their device listening time to 40 hours or less and make sure the volume stays below 80 dB.
- If you’re under 18, 40 hours is still fine, just be certain to keep the volume at a safe level, 75 decibels or less.
Breaking it down, you’re looking at about 5 hours and 40 minutes of listening each day. Though it might seem excessive, the time can pass surprisingly fast. Even still, most individuals have a pretty strong concept of monitoring time– it’s something we’re taught to do effectively from a very young age.
The more challenging aspect entails keeping track of your volume level. Technologies like smartphones, computers, and TVs usually do not show volume in decibels. Its value is established utilizing a somewhat subjective or relative scale. Maybe it’s 1-100. But maybe it’s 1-16. You might not have any clue what the max volume on your device is, or how close to the max you are.
Tips for effectively keeping track of your music volume
To deal with this issue, a number of free noise monitoring apps are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps supply real-time information into ambient noise levels, equipping users to calibrate their music volume appropriately.
Because of this, many audiologists suggest utilizing one of the numerous noise level monitoring apps available at no cost. These extensively accessible apps, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, supply instant sound-level feedback on the ambient noise around you. That way, you can monitor the dB level of your music in real time and make adjustments.
A volume comparison: garbage disposals and more
For example, a volume level of 80 decibels is comparable to the sound produced by a basic garbage disposal or dishwasher – you can hear them, but they won’t blow your ears out. Recognizing this volume level is important because it marks the point at which hearing loss becomes a real and substantial worry.
So, being extra vigilant when surpassing this decibel limit is essential. Consider decreasing your exposure to extremely loud music by listening to specific songs at the highest volume rather than listening to entire albums.
Repeated exposure to elevated volume levels can lead to hearing complications such as tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By being mindful of when our ears are at risk, we allow ourselves to make informed choices in order to promote safer listening habits.
Make an appointment for a hearing assessment
To further prioritize your auditory health, consider reaching out to a hearing specialist to schedule a comprehensive hearing test. Proactive steps like regular screenings can detect any potential issues early on, allowing for timely interventions and personalized recommendations to safeguard your vital sense of hearing.