Whether you are relaxing at home, commuting, or hitting the gym, you might bump up the volume to drown out the outside world. However, this habit might be harming your hearing. This guide will break down how headphones can lead to hearing loss and what you should know about basic hearing protection.

What to Know About Listening to Loud Music Through Headphones

How Can Loud Music Affect Hearing?

While you might associate construction sites and rock concerts with hearing damage, you can also harm your ears by listening to your headphones too loudly. When you listen to loud music, the inner workings of your ears vibrate. If they vibrate too much over an extended period of time, the hair cells, called cochlea, inside your ear may become damaged and lose sensitivity. Today, about one in five teens will experience a form of hearing loss. According to the American Osteopathic Association, this could be due to the increased use of headphones.

How Do You Know If The Volume Is Too Loud?

While you may not measure the decibels coming from your headphones, there are some ways to tell if you have the volume too loud. If you can’t hear any of the ambient noise around you, turn down the volume. The volume is also too loud if people around you can hear the music. Many audiologists will recommend keeping the volume at 60% or lower to ensure hearing protection.

How Can You Protect Your Ears While Using Headphones?

You don’t need to give up headphone use to prevent hearing loss. One of the most basic ways to protect your ears is to keep the volume just loud enough so you can hear the music comfortably. If you find yourself turning up the volume to drown out loud environments, switch to noise canceling headphones. It’s also important to take breaks after listening to your music for 60 minutes straight. Giving your ears a rest can help with hearing protection. 

When it comes to hearing protection and health, you need the right audiologist on your side. Located in Stow, OH, the team at Anthony Durig Audiology help individuals in Summit County hear more clearly and manage their ear conditions. Whether you are living with hearing loss or struggling with balance, these professionals will perform careful diagnostics and recommend a treatment plan to fit your needs. To keep up with the happenings at their practice, like them on Facebook. You can also call (330) 688-4115 to schedule an appointment.