It seems like everywhere you look, someone has headphones on or earbuds in, whether that’s at the gym, in a café or on the street. According to statistics from ElectroiQ, 71% of people who wear headphones use them to listen to music – and it’s no wonder. Music can energize, soothe and bring joy. It can even make ordinary tasks like chores more entertaining.
While wearing headphones and earbuds allows you to play your favorite songs wherever you go, it’s important to be aware of how using them can affect your hearing. Understanding safe listening practices can lower your risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) so you can continue to jam to your favorite tunes.
Why Music Lovers Need Hearing Protection
There are delicate cells inside your inner ear that convert sound vibrations – including musical stimulation – into electrical signals that are sent to your brain. If those cells are exposed to sounds louder than 85 decibels, they can sustain irreparable damage that causes NIHL. It can occur after a single, loud event or over time if you’re consistently exposed to sounds at a lower volume. So, if you want to continue to enjoy music, you need to learn how to protect your hearing while you listen.
Safe Listening Practices for Headphone and Earbud Use
You likely encounter sounds that are louder than 85 decibels daily. Heavy traffic, power tools, motorcycles, rock concerts and emergency sirens are examples that exceed that sound threshold. Headphone and earbud use can also reach dangerous levels because they bring audio closer to your ear.
Here are some safe listening tips to remember:
- Follow the 60/60 rule: Only play music at 60% volume for no longer than 60 minutes if you’re wearing headphones or earbuds.
- Adjust settings: Some headsets have built-in volume-limiting features to prevent you from exceeding specific decibel levels.
- Wear noise-canceling headphones: Active noise cancellation allows you to tune out background noise, so you don’t have to crank the volume to listen to music.
- Take listening breaks: Playing music in your ears can add to your cognitive load. Taking time to sit in silence can give your brain a much-needed break from auditory processing.
How to Listen to Music Safely Without Headphones
You can develop NIHL regardless of where or how you’re listening to music. Blasting songs from speakers in our car or at home is just as dangerous as wearing headphones. Restaurants and clubs are also prime locations for noise exposure. Distancing yourself from speakers and performers decreases the intensity of the sound when it reaches your ear. You can also use decibel-tracking apps to monitor the noise level of your surroundings and avoid overexposure.
Protecting Your Ears at Live Music Events
The louder the sound, the quicker you can experience hearing loss. Concerts can reach up to 120 decibels, so it may only take a few hours to develop severe damage. That can be problematic if you go to concerts often without protecting your ears.
There are different types of hearing protection, including:
- Foam earplugs: Inexpensive, disposable earplugs can muffle sounds, but they must be inserted correctly to provide optimal benefit.
- Custom earplugs: These reusable devices are created from a mold of your unique ear shape, providing consistent sound blocking.
- Musician’s earplugs: These custom-designed earplugs lower sound volume equally across frequencies to maintain music quality.
Signs It’s Time to Get Your Hearing Tested
Hearing loss can develop slowly over time, and you may not notice symptoms until it’s severe. That’s why it’s important to be vigilant if you’re frequently exposed to loud music.
The following symptoms may suggest it’s time to visit an audiologist:
- Muffled or distorted sounds
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
- Ringing in your ears
- Trouble hearing conversations, especially in noise
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Regularly turning up the volume on various devices
Protect Your Ears and Enjoy Safe Listening
You don’t have to give up listening to music to protect your hearing. Hearing Associates offers comprehensive testing to help you understand your condition. We also provide custom hearing protection, so you can experience the joy of music without compromising your auditory health. Contact us to schedule your appointment.