James is a music aficionado who has mastered the art of integrating his favored music into his day-to-day life, effortlessly shifting from Spotify at his workdesk to Pandora on his runs, and meticulously crafting playlists to perfectly complement every activity, whether he’s pumping iron, cooking a meal, or immersed in a gaming session. His headphones are his continual partners, converting his life into a completely soundtracked experience. James takes comfort and joy in the captivating world of music, but the very source of his happiness might be damaging his cherished ability to hear without him recognizing it.
Concerning our ears, there are both safe and hazardous ways to indulge in music. Unfortunately, a, any us lean towards the second option.
How does lengthy periods of music exposure result in hearing loss?
As time pass, loud noises can cause degeneration of your ability to hear. We’re used to regarding hearing loss as a problem related to aging, but more and more research indicates that it’s actually the accumulation of noise-related damage that is the issue here and not anything intrinsic in the aging process.
It also turns out that younger ears are especially vulnerable to noise-related damage (they’re still developing, after all). And yet, young adults are more likely to be dismissive of the lasting hazards of high volume. A growing number of young individuals are experiencing hearing loss due to frequent use of loud headphones.
Can one listen to music without any safety concerns?
Unrestricted full volume is obviously the” hazardous” way to listen to music. There is a way to enjoy to music more safely, which usually means lowering the volume. The suggested safe volume levels are normally as follows:
- Adults should restrict their device listening time to 40 hours or less and ensure the volume stays under 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 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 fairly strong concept of monitoring time– it’s something we’re taught to do effectively from a really young age.
The harder part is keeping track of your volume. On most smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not computed in decibels. Its value is determined utilizing a somewhat subjective or relative 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 effectively keeping track of your music volume
Several free noise monitoring apps can be downloaded for both iPhone and Android devices to address this issue. These apps provide real-time insights into ambient noise levels, empowering users to adjust their music volume accordingly.
That’s why most hearing specialists recommend the use of one of many free noise tracking apps. These widely 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 instance, a noise level of 80 decibels is comparable to the sound generated by a common garbage disposal or dishwasher – you can hear them, but they won’t blow your ears out. Acknowledging this standard is essential, as it represents the limit beyond which auditory damage becomes a tangible risk.
It’s crucial to exercise increased vigilance when noise levels exceed this critical point. Consider decreasing your exposure to exceedingly loud music by listening to specific songs at the highest volume instead of 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 being aware of when our ears are at risk, we allow ourselves to make informed choices in order to encourage safer listening habits.
Book an appointment for a hearing evaluation
To further prioritize your hearing health, consider reaching out to a hearing specialist to set up a comprehensive hearing exam. Proactive measures like routine assessments can identify any possible issues early on, enabling timely interventions and individualized suggestions to protect your vital sense of hearing.