James is a music aficionado who has mastered the art of integrating his favorite tunes into his daily life, easily 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, 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 daily life, turning every moment into a personalized audio adventure. However, while James gets solace and joy in the immersive world of music, the very thing he cherishes could be quietly damaging his priceless sense of hearing.

Regarding our ears, there are both safe and harmful ways to enjoy music. Sadly, many of us tend to gravitate towards the latter.

How does prolonged music exposure lead to hearing loss?

Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can lead to a decrease in your auditory function. Hearing loss is typically connected to growing older, but recent studies suggest that it is mostly caused by damage from exposure to loud noises instead of being a natural part of getting older.

It also appears that younger ears are particularly vulnerable to noise-related damage (they’re still forming, after all). And yet, young adults are more likely to be dismissive of the lasting dangers of high volume. An increasing amount of young people are experiencing hearing loss as a result of frequent use of loud headphones.

Can one listen to music without any safety concerns?

Unregulated max volume is clearly the” hazardous” way to listen to music. There is a way to listen to music more safely, which typically means reducing the volume. The recommended 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.
• If you’re younger than 18, 40 hours is still acceptable, just be sure to keep the volume at a safe level, 75 decibels or lower.

Forty hours week is about five hours and forty minutes a day. That might seem like a lot, but it can go by relatively quickly. Even still, most individuals have a pretty solid concept of monitoring time– it’s something we’re trained to do effectively from a very young age.

The more challenging 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 somewhat 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 capacity of your device or how near you are to reaching that limit.

How to effectively monitor your music volume

Numerous free noise monitoring apps can be downloaded for both iPhone and Android devices to tackle this problem. These apps supply real-time information into ambient noise levels, enabling users to calibrate their music volume appropriately.

For this reason, many audiologists suggest utilizing one of the numerous noise level tracking applications 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 monitor the decibel level of your music as it plays and make adjustments accordingly.

Comparing relative volumes: from garbage disposals to dishwasher

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. Recognizing this volume level is significant because it denotes the point at which hearing loss becomes a real and substantial concern.

It’s important to exercise increased caution when noise levels go above this critical point. Consider reducing exposure to excessively loud music by indulging in select tracks at maximum volume instead of indulging in entire albums.

Extended exposure to loud sounds can result in hearing issues, 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 enable ourselves to make informed choices in order to encourage safer listening habits.

Schedule a hearing assessment

To further prioritize your auditory health, consider reaching out to a hearing specialist to schedule a comprehensive hearing exam. Taking practical steps like regular screenings can pinpoint possible problems at an early stage, enabling quick actions and tailored advice to safeguard your valuable hearing.