Say hello to James, a passionate music lover who seamlessly integrates Spotify into his work routine, switches over to Pandora during his jogs, and curates playlists for every occasion conceivable, from cardio programs to cooking and even gaming. His headphones are his constant companions, transforming his life into a fully soundtracked experience. James takes comfort and joy in the captivating realm of music, but the very source of his joy may be damaging his treasured ability to hear without him recognizing it.

There are safe ways to appreciate music and ways that are more risky to your hearing health. Sadly, many of us tend to gravitate towards the latter.

How does lengthy periods of music exposure result in hearing loss?

Over time, loud noises can cause deterioration of your ability to hear. Hearing loss is commonly connected to getting older, but recent studies suggest that it is mainly caused by damage from exposure to loud noises rather than being a normal part of aging.

Younger individuals are more prone to noise-induced damage as their ears are still in the developmental phase. However, teenagers tend to dismiss the potential hazards of excessive noise over time. An increasing 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?

Listening to music at full blast with no limits is the most hazardous strategy. There is a way to listen to music more safely, which usually means reducing the volume. The recommended safe volume levels are normally as follows:

• Adults should restrict their device listening time to 40 hours or less and make sure the volume remains under 80 dB.
• For Teens and Minors: You can still listen for 40 hours, but keep the volume level below 75 dB.

Forty hours week translates into roughly five hours and forty minutes a day. Though it might seem excessive, the time can pass surprisingly fast. Even still, most people have a pretty strong concept of keeping track of time– it’s something we’re taught to do effectively from a very young age.

The harder part is keeping track of your volume. On the majority of smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not measured in decibels. Its value is calculated utilizing a rather subjective or relative scale. The range could be as broad as 1 to 100, or it could be as small as 1 to 16. You may be unaware of the maximum volume range of your device or how near you are to reaching that limit.

How to properly monitor 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 offer real-time information into ambient noise levels, empowering users to adjust their music volume appropriately.

For this reason, many audiologists suggest utilizing one of the numerous noise level tracking 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 way, you can keep track of the decibel level of your music as it plays and make adjustments accordingly.

Comparing relative volumes: from garbage disposals to dishwasher

As illustration, 80 dB is approximately equivalent to the noise produced by a typical garbage disposal or dishwasher– audible, yet not overly loud. Recognizing this volume level is important because it denotes the point at which hearing loss becomes a real and substantial concern.

It’s crucial to exercise heightened caution when noise levels exceed this critical point. Think about reducing exposure to excessively loud music by indulging in certain tracks at full volume instead of indulging in complete albums.

Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can result in hearing problems, including ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, and potentially irreversible damage to one’s hearing. By remaining cognizant of when our ears venture into the danger zone, we empower ourselves to make informed decisions, with the paramount goal of promoting safer listening practices.

Make an appointment for a hearing assessment

To further prioritize your auditory health, consider reaching out to a hearing specialist to set up a thorough hearing exam. Proactive steps such as routine assessments can detect any possible issues early on, enabling timely interventions and personalized recommendations to safeguard your precious sense of hearing.