Say hello to James, a Say hello to music lover who perfectly integrates Spotify into his work regimen, switches over to Pandora during his jogs, and curates playlists for every instance imaginable, from cardio programs to cooking and even gaming. He’s seldom seen without his headphones, which have become an important part of his daily life, turning every moment into a personalized audio experience. James takes comfort and delight in the engaging world of music, but the very source of his joy may be damaging his cherished ability to hear without him realizing it.

There are safe ways to appreciate music and ways that are more risky to your hearing health. Unfortunately, a lot of us lean towards the second option.

How does prolonged music exposure result in hearing loss?

Prolonged exposure to loud music can result in a decrease in your auditory function. Hearing loss is commonly connected to getting older, but the latest studies indicate that it is mainly caused by damage from exposure to loud noises instead of being a natural part of getting older.

It also turns out that younger ears are particularly susceptible to noise-related damage (they’re still forming, after all). And yet, young adults are more likely to be dismissive of the long-term perils of high volume. So there’s an epidemic of younger individuals with hearing loss, thanks, in part, to widespread high-volume headphone usage.

Can one listen to music without any safety concerns?

Listening to music at full blast with no limits is the most dangerous strategy. 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.
• 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 roughly five hours and forty minutes a day. That might seem like a lot, but it can go by rather quickly. Even still, most people have a pretty solid 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 established 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 close you are to reaching that limit.

How to properly monitor 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 instant feedback on ambient noise levels, enabling users to tweak their listening volume to safe levels.

For this reason, many audiologists recommend utilizing one of the numerous noise level monitoring apps available at no cost. These apps– widely available for both iPhone and Android devices– will give you real-time readouts on the noises 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

For example, a noise 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 standard is crucial, as it represents the threshold beyond which auditory damage becomes a substantial risk.

So, being extra cautious when surpassing this decibel limit is essential. Consider limiting exposure to overly loud music by indulging in select tracks at full volume rather than indulging in entire albums.

Repeated exposure to increased volume levels can trigger hearing complications including tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By being aware of when our ears are at risk, we allow ourselves to make educated decisions in order to encourage safer listening habits.

Make an appointment for a hearing evaluation

For better prioritization of your hearing health, it is advisable to contact a hearing professional to schedule a comprehensive hearing test. Taking practical steps like consistent assessments can pinpoint possible issues at an early stage, enabling quick actions and customized advice to safeguard your valuable hearing.