James is a music enthusiast who has mastered the art of incorporating his favorite tunes into his daily life, effortlessly shifting from Spotify at his desk to Pandora during his runs, and meticulously crafting playlists to beautifully complement every activity, whether he’s pumping iron, cooking a meal, or immersed in a gaming session. He’s rarely seen without his headphones, which have become an integral part of his daily life, turning every moment into an individualized audio adventure. James takes comfort and delight in the captivating realm of music, but the very source of his joy may be damaging his treasured ability to hear without him realizing it.
Concerning our ears, there are both safe and unsafe ways to indulge in music. Unfortunately, a, any us lean towards the second option.
What is the connection between extended exposure to music and hearing damage?
Extended exposure to loud sounds can result in a decline in your auditory ability. Hearing loss is commonly linked to growing older, but the latest studies indicate that it is mainly caused by damage from exposure to loud sounds instead of being a normal part of aging.
Younger people are more sensitive to noise-induced damage as their ears are still in the developmental stage. However, teenagers tend to ignore the potential risks of excessive noise over time. A growing number of young individuals are experiencing hearing loss due to frequent use of loud headphones.
Is it possible to enjoy music safely?
Unlimited max volume is obviously the” hazardous” way to listen to music. There is a way to enjoy to music more safely, which usually means decreasing the volume. The suggested safe volume levels are typically as follows:
- For Adults: No more than 40 hours of listening on a device, and maintain the volume lower than 80 dB.
- For Teens and Minors: You can still listen for 40 hours, but keep the volume level below 75 dB.
Forty hours per week translates into about five hours and forty minutes a day. Though it may seem excessive, the time can go by unexpectedly fast. Even still, most people have a fairly strong concept of monitoring time– it’s something we’re taught to do effectively from a really young age.
The more challenging aspect involves tracking your volume level. Devices like smartphones, computers, and TVs typically do not display volume in decibels. Its value is determined utilizing a rather subjective or relative scale. Perhaps 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 efficiently keeping track of your music volume
Several free noise monitoring apps can be found for both iPhone and Android devices to address this issue. These apps provide real-time insights into ambient noise levels, enabling users to calibrate their music volume appropriately.
That’s why the majority of hearing specialists encourage 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 background noise around you. That way, you can keep track of the dB level of your music in real time and make adjustments.
Comparing relative volumes: from garbage disposals to dishwasher
By way of illustration, 80 dB is approximately comparable to the noise emitted by a common garbage disposal or dishwasher– audible, yet not overly loud. Identifying this benchmark is crucial, as it represents the threshold beyond which auditory damage becomes a substantial risk.
So, being extra vigilant when exceeding this decibel threshold is essential. Think about reducing your exposure to exceedingly loud music by listening to specific songs at the highest volume rather than listening to entire albums.
Repeated exposure to elevated volume levels can trigger hearing problems including tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By being mindful of when our ears move into the danger zone, we empower ourselves to make educated choices, with the ultimate goal of promoting safer listening practices.
Schedule a hearing assessment
To further prioritize your auditory health, consider reaching out to a hearing specialist to set up a thorough hearing exam. Taking proactive actions like consistent assessments can pinpoint possible issues at an early stage, enabling quick actions and tailored advice to safeguard your valuable hearing.
