March 24, 2023
Music has the power to bring joy, comfort and energy to our lives, but it can also have a detrimental effect on our hearing if we’re not careful. Listening to music at unsafe levels can lead to hearing loss, which can be irreversible. In this blog, we’ll discuss the dangers of unsafe listening levels and what you can do to protect your hearing.
What are Unsafe Listening Levels?
Unsafe listening levels are defined as sound levels that exceed 85 decibels (dB) for prolonged periods. To put that into perspective, normal conversation is typically around 60 dB, while a rock concert can reach up to 110 dB. When you listen to music at high volumes for extended periods, you risk damaging the delicate hair cells in your ears that transmit sound to the brain. Once these hair cells are damaged, they do not regenerate, leading to permanent hearing loss.
What are the signs of unsafe listening levels?
It can be challenging to determine when you’re listening to music at unsafe levels, but there are a few signs to look out for. If you find yourself having to shout to communicate with someone while wearing headphones or earbuds, that’s a clear sign that the volume is too high. Additionally, if you experience ringing or buzzing in your ears after listening to music, that’s another indication that you’re exposing your ears to unsafe sound levels. If people around you can hear your music, it is too loud.
How to Protect Your Hearing?
There are several steps you can take to protect your hearing while still enjoying your favorite music. The first step is to invest in a pair of noise-cancelling headphones that can reduce the need to turn up the volume to block out outside noise. Additionally, you should take regular breaks from listening to music and avoid listening at high volumes for extended periods. Consider downloading a decibel meter app on your smartphone to monitor the sound levels around you and ensure they are safe.
Finally, consider investing in musician earplugs, which are designed to protect your hearing without compromising the quality of the sound. They are perfect for musicians who perform in loud environments, but they can also be used by anyone who wants to protect their hearing while still enjoying live music. Denison Hearing provides full service ordering of musician earplugs or earmold impressions to facilitate online ordering of musician earplugs.
In conclusion, listening to music at unsafe levels can lead to irreversible hearing damage. By taking steps to protect your hearing, such as using noise-cancelling headphones, taking breaks from listening, and investing in musician earplugs, you can enjoy your favorite music without putting your hearing at risk. Remember, your hearing is precious, so take care of it by listening safely.