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

Concerning our ears, there are both safe and unsafe ways to enjoy music. Regrettably, many of us tend to incline towards the latter.

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

Extended exposure to loud sounds can lead to a decrease in your auditory ability. We’re used to regarding hearing loss as an issue related to growing old, but an increasing amount of research suggests that it’s really the build-up of noise-related damage that is the concern here and not anything intrinsic in the aging process.

Younger individuals are more sensitive to noise-induced damage as their ears are still in the developmental stage. However, teenagers tend to ignore the potential hazards of excessive noise over time. A growing 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 concerns?

Listening to music at full blast without any limitations is the most hazardous strategy. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your music, and it normally involves turning the volume down. The general guidelines for safe volumes are:

• For Adults: No more than 40 hours of listening on a device, and keep 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 less.

Breaking it down, you’re looking at about 5 hours and 40 minutes of listening each day. That might seem like a lot, but it can go by rather quickly. Despite this, most individuals possess a well-developed understanding of time management, a skill that is typically perfected during early childhood.

The more difficult aspect entails tracking your sound level. Devices like smartphones, computers, and TVs usually do not show volume in decibels. It’s assessed on some random scale. Perhaps it’s 1-100. But maybe it’s 1-16. You might not have any idea 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

To deal with this issue, a number of free noise tracking applications are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps provide immediate feedback on surrounding noise levels, allowing users to tweak their listening volume to safe levels.

Because of this, many audiologists recommend utilizing one of the numerous noise level tracking applications available at no cost. These widely obtainable apps, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, provide instant sound-level feedback on the background noise around you. In this manner, you can keep track of the decibel level of your music as it plays and make adjustments as necessary.

A volume comparison: garbage disposals and beyond

For instance, a volume level of 80 decibels is comparable to the sound produced by a common garbage disposal or dishwasher – you can hear them, but they won’t blow your ears out. Identifying 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 exceed this critical point. Consider limiting exposure to excessively loud music by enjoying certain tracks at full volume instead of indulging in complete albums.

Recurring exposure to increased volume levels can trigger hearing problems such as tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By being aware of when our ears are at risk, we enable ourselves to make informed decisions in order to encourage safer listening habits.

Schedule a hearing assessment

For better prioritization of your hearing health, it is recommended to consult a hearing professional to schedule a comprehensive hearing examination. Proactive steps such as regular assessments can detect any possible issues early on, enabling timely interventions and individualized recommendations to safeguard your vital sense of hearing.