James is a music aficionado who has mastered the art of integrating his favored music into his day-to-day life, easily shifting from Spotify at his workdesk to Pandora on his runs, and carefully putting together playlists to beautifully enhance every activity, whether he’s working out, whipping up a meal, or immersed in a gaming session. He’s rarely observed without his headphones, which have become an integral part of his day-to-day life, transforming every moment into a personalized audio adventure. However, while James finds solace and joy in the immersive world of music, the very thing he cherishes could be quietly weakening his priceless sense of hearing.
Regarding our ears, there are both safe and hazardous ways to indulge in music. Unfortunately, a, any us lean towards the second approach.
How does lengthy periods of music exposure result in hearing loss?
Over time, loud noises can bring about degeneration of your hearing abilities. We’re used to regarding hearing loss as a problem associated with growing old, but more and more research reveals that it’s actually the build-up of noise-related damage that is the concern here and not anything intrinsic in the process of aging.
Younger people are more sensitive to noise-induced damage as their ears are still in the developmental phase. However, teenagers tend to ignore the potential hazards of excessive noise over time. So there’s an epidemic of younger people with hearing loss, thanks, in part, to widespread high-volume headphone use.
Is it possible to enjoy music safely?
Unregulated full volume is clearly the” hazardous” way to listen to music. There is a way to enjoy to music more safely, which usually means decreasing the volume. The recommended safe volume levels are usually as follows:
- Adults should restrict their device listening time to 40 hours or less and ensure the volume remains below 80 dB.
- For Teens and Minors: You can still listen for 40 hours, but keep the volume level lower than 75 dB.
Forty hours per week translates into about five hours and forty minutes a day. Though it might appear excessive, the time can pass unexpectedly fast. In spite of this, most people possess a well-developed understanding of time management, a skill that is generally mastered during early childhood.
The more challenging facet involves keeping track of your sound level. Technologies like smartphones, computers, and TVs usually do not show volume in decibels. It’s gauged on some arbitrary scale. The range could be as wide as 1 to 100, or it might be as narrow as 1 to 16. You may be unaware of the maximum volume range of your device or how close you are to reaching that limit.
Tips for efficiently keeping track of your music volume
Several free noise monitoring apps can be downloaded for both iPhone and Android devices to address this problem. These apps supply real-time insights into ambient noise levels, enabling users to calibrate their music volume appropriately.
Because of this, many audiologists recommend utilizing one of the numerous noise level monitoring apps available at no cost. These apps– widely available for both iPhone and Android devices– will give you real-time readouts on the noises surrounding you. In this manner, you can monitor the decibel level of your music as it plays and make changes accordingly.
Comparing relative volumes: from garbage disposals to dishwasher
For example, a volume level of 80 decibels is comparable to the sound generated by a basic garbage disposal or dishwasher – you can hear them, but they won’t blow your ears out. Identifying this volume level is important because it marks the point at which hearing loss becomes a real and substantial worry.
It’s crucial to exercise increased vigilance when noise levels go above this critical point. Consider decreasing your exposure to exceedingly loud music by listening to specific songs at the highest volume rather than listening to entire albums.
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can lead to hearing problems, including ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, and potentially irreversible damage to one’s hearing. By being aware of when our ears are at risk, we allow ourselves to make educated decisions in order to promote safer listening habits.
Schedule a hearing test
To further prioritize your hearing health, consider reaching out to a hearing specialist to set up a comprehensive hearing exam. Taking practical actions like regular screenings can pinpoint possible problems at an early stage, enabling prompt actions and tailored advice to safeguard your valuable hearing.