According to the World Health Organization, “Over 1 billion young adults are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices,” specifically when it comes to headphones and earbuds. Below we review how to tell if your headphones are loud enough to cause noise-induced hearing loss and how to listen safely.
Tests to See If Your Headphones Are Too Loud
To see if your headphones are too loud, we recommend:
Holding Them at Arm’s Length
Remove your headphones while music is playing at the desired volume and hold them out at arm’s length. If you can hear the music, it means it needs to be turned down.
Checking the Volume
The rule of thumb is that your music should not exceed 60% of the device’s maximum volume when you’re wearing headphones. Check the volume to make sure the volume is below roughly two-thirds of the sliding bar.
Using a Sound Meter
Sometimes headphones produce audio that is louder than the recommended 85 dB at 60%, so you should check your devices with a sound meter to see where 85 dB falls. Sound meters are devices that measure sound levels in decibels (dB). To use a sound meter, connect your headphones to your audio source and start playing a song. Hold the headphones out and turn on the sound meter, then place the sound meter directly in the inner part of your headphones’ earcups. It should automatically show the decibel level on the LED display. Adjust the volume on your devices until it’s below 85 dB. Alternatively, you can try apps that will measure sound levels.
Making Sure You Can Hear People Around You
You shouldn’t struggle to hear the people around you when your headphones are on unless your headphones are noise-canceling. If they’re not, adjust the sound until you can hear someone speaking from a few feet away.
Tips for Listening Safely
Some tips for safe listening with headphones include:
Following the 60/60 Rule
This rule states you should listen at no more than 60% of the device’s maximum volume for no more than 20 minutes at a time.
Using Noise-Cancelling Headphones
If you’re in an environment where you’re competing with background noise, noise-canceling headphones are the solution, as they let you listen comfortably at a safe volume.
Investing in Well-Fitting Headphones
Loose headphones can let in too much background noise. Invest in a well-fitting pair of over-ear headphones the next time you’re shopping at St. John’s Town Center or another Jacksonville electronics store.
For more information or to schedule an appointment for a hearing test, call The McCoy Institute today.
