Say hello to James, an avid music fan who seamlessly integrates Spotify into his work routine, switches over to Pandora during his jogs, and curates playlists for every occasion imaginable, from cardio sessions to cooking and even gaming. His headphones are his continual partners, converting his life into a completely soundtracked experience. James takes comfort and delight in the engaging realm of music, but the very source of his joy might be damaging his cherished ability to hear without him realizing it.

Regarding our ears, there are both safe and harmful ways to enjoy music. Unfortunately, a lot of us lean towards the second approach.

What is the connection between prolonged exposure to music and hearing damage?

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

It also turns out that younger ears are especially vulnerable to noise-related damage (they’re still forming, after all). And yet, young adults are more likely to be dismissive of the permanent perils of high volume. A growing amount of young individuals are experiencing hearing loss as a result of frequent use of loud headphones.

Is it possible to enjoy music safely?

Unrestricted max volume is clearly the” dangerous” way to listen to music. There is a way to listen to music more safely, which usually means decreasing the volume. The suggested safe volume levels are typically as follows:

• Adults should limit their device listening time to 40 hours or less and make sure the volume stays 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 week is roughly five hours and forty minutes a day. That might seem like a lot, but it can go by rather quickly. Even still, most individuals have a pretty solid concept of monitoring time– it’s something we’re taught to do successfully from a really young age.

The more challenging part is monitoring your volume. On most smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not measured in decibels. Its value is calculated using a somewhat subjective or relative scale. Perhaps it’s 1-100. But maybe it’s 1-16. You may 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 address this problem, a number of free noise monitoring applications are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps offer real-time information into ambient noise levels, equipping users to adjust their music volume appropriately.

That’s why most hearing specialists recommend the use of one of many free noise tracking apps. These widely obtainable apps, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, supply instant sound-level feedback on the background 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 beyond

For instance, a volume level of 80 decibels is similar to the sound produced by a basic garbage disposal or dishwasher – you can hear them, but they won’t blow your ears out. Identifying this benchmark is essential, as it represents the limit beyond which hearing damage becomes a substantial hazard.

So, being extra vigilant when exceeding this decibel threshold is essential. Think about reducing your exposure to exceedingly loud music by listening to certain songs at the highest volume rather than listening to entire albums.

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

Set up an appointment for a hearing assessment

For better prioritization of your hearing health, it is advisable to contact a hearing professional to schedule a comprehensive hearing test. Taking practical actions like regular assessments can pinpoint possible problems at an early stage, enabling prompt actions and tailored advice to protect your valuable hearing.