We all love our devices. Phones, laptops, and tablets keep us connected, entertained, and informed, but did you know these devices could also be putting your hearing at risk? Loud music, podcasts, and audiobooks all have the potential to damage your hearing over time. Past studies have shown that perhaps as many as 40 million adults have features of their hearing test suggesting hearing loss in one or both ears from loud noise exposure.

Let’s discuss some simple ways to tell when your devices are too loud so you can keep listening without sacrificing your hearing health.

How Loud is Too Loud?

Our ears can handle a certain level of noise, but prolonged exposure to loud sounds can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss. First, we must understand decibels (dB), the unit used to measure sound intensity. Here’s a quick guide:

  • Safe zone (below 85 dB): Normal conversation, household appliances like refrigerators
  • Caution zone (85-90 dB): City traffic, hairdryers, lawnmowers
  • Danger zone (above 90 dB): Motorcycles, concerts, sporting events, power tools

But how do you know when you’ve reached the danger zone? Your ears are pretty good at giving you clues, but sometimes it’s not always obvious. Here are a few resources to help you out:

  • The 60/60 Rule: Keep the volume on devices below 60% and limit listening time to 60 minutes per day.
  • Know the Signs: If you need to raise your voice to hold a conversation with someone while wearing headphones, it’s too loud.
  • Noise-Canceling Headphones: These block out ambient noise and allow you to enjoy your music at a lower volume.

Beyond these tips, there are some handy app-based tools you can use to measure noise levels in your environment:

  • Decibel Meter Apps: There are several iPhone apps available that can measure the decibel level of your surroundings. While these apps may not be as precise as professional sound level meters, they can be a helpful starting point to get a general idea of the noise. Some popular options include Decibel X:dB Sound Level Meter, Decibel Meter – Sound Meter, and NIOSH Sound Level Meter (developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health). Remember, for the most accurate reading, hold your phone with the microphone pointing towards the sound source.

By adopting these simple practices and utilizing available resources, you can safeguard your hearing and keep enjoying the sounds you love to the fullest. Make hearing protection a priority for yourself and your family. If you are interested in having your hearing tested or learning more about options for hearing protection, such as custom earplugs, contact us through our website.

 

Bibliography

  1. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss. NIDCD. Published December 14, 2018. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/noise-induced-hearing-loss
  2. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss. The American Academy of Audiology. https://www.audiology.org/consumers-and-patients/hearing-and-balance/noise-induced-hearing-loss/
  3. Olsen J. Mayo Clinic Minute: The 60-60 rule for safer listening. Mayo Clinic News Network. Published September 8, 2017. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-the-60-60-rule-for-safer-listening/