What’s a Safe Listening Volume?

If you were driving down the road and saw a sign saying to slow down, you’re not likely to speed up. Unfortunately, the same logic doesn’t seem to apply to the volume controls on our headphones. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most common types of hearing loss that could be prevented. 

As we age, our hearing will most likely decline; however, how loud your volume matters when it comes to taking care of your hearing. 

What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?

Damage to the tiny structures in your ear causes what is known as noise-induced hearing loss. Hair cells are small structures that can be seen in the inner ear. Noise and sound are converted into potentials by these hair cells, which then travel through the auditory pathways to your brain.

Damaged hair cells will not regrow if exposed to excessive noise. This will result in a condition known as sensorineural hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss is another name for it. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), it is estimated that 12.5% of children and teens between six and 19 and 17% of 20-69-year-old adults have permanent damage to their hearing due to noise exposure. 

Studies show that noise-induced hearing loss usually develops after ten or more years of exposure; however, in some cases, it can happen as quickly as a single exposure to loud noise. 

Are There Volumes of Sound That Can Damage Your Hearing?

We know that noise-induced hearing loss can happen as quickly as one loud noise, or it can take years. Generators and other machinery are usually one culprit for NIHL. It's important to get this sort of hearing loss checked out sooner, rather than later.

Noise-induced hearing loss can also occur due to a variety of recreational activities. Hunting and shooting, high-volume phones or music players, loud headphones, being in a musical group without proper ear protection, attending live music venues, and even leaf blowers, power equipment and snowmobiling are all examples of dangerous activities.

Decibels (dB) are a unit of measurement for sound. Even after continuous exposure, sounds at or below 70dB are unlikely to induce hearing damage. Hearing loss can be caused by prolonged or frequent exposure to sales at or above 85 decibels. The louder the noise in decibels, the shorter it takes to cause irreparable damage. 

It can be hard to put decibels in context with no references, so here is a shortlist to help:

• A typical conversation is usually between 60-70dB.
• Sirens from an ambulance or police car as usually 110-129dB.
• A movie theater can range between 74-104dB.
• Firework displays are typically 140-160dB.
• Music played through headphones on maximum volume, and some sporting events are between 94-110dB.

The further away from the source of the noise, or the lower the volume on the headphones, the better.

What Are the Signs of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?

If you are exposed to loud noise for an extended period of time, your hearing may deteriorate. However, because the effects of noise exposure are usually gradual, you won't realize it for a long time. Many people disregard hearing loss symptoms until they become more severe.

Over time people notice that some of the sounds around them become distorted. People with NIHL might also report issues understanding others or find themselves speaking in a louder voice than previously. 

Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing or roaring sensation in the ears or head and can be caused by prolonged exposure to loud noise. Although this can fade with time, it can also persist and be consistent throughout a person's life. 

Tinnitus and hearing loss can affect both ears.

Is There a Safe Listening Volume?

Understandably most people wish to reduce the likelihood of having noise-induced hearing loss. One of the main ways is to make sure that you pay attention to the decibels of the music you are listening to. 

Only listen to music through headphones with the 60/60 rule in mind. This means a maximum of 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes. After which time you should give your ears a rest. Many people use their mobile phones to listen to music; often, they have an in-built warning to let you know when it is too loud and may cause damage. 

Practice good hearing care, and when attending loud events, you wear noise protection devices like hearing protection earmuffs. Earplugs can often be a good idea, too, so long as it is known they provide some hearing protection. 

It is a good idea to discuss your hearing requirements and protection options with an audiologist. If you want to learn more call Audiology & Hearing Aid Services today at 912-351-3038!