Have you noticed how often we wear headphones throughout the day? Whether we’re listening to a podcast while getting ready for work, blasting our favorite jams to pump us up during our workout, or even playing the coziest music to drown out the noise at work, we’re all habitual users of headphones.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently estimated that about 1.1 billion teens and young adults are at risk of hearing loss due to personal audio devices, as well as loud concerts, bars, and dance clubs.
But could this unsafe listening practice only affect our youngsters?
It’s true for anyone who uses headphones for more than 90 minutes each day. Let’s get real, that statistic includes most of us.
Photo by Tom Taker https://www.flickr.com/photos/shoutsfromtheabyss/
Within the last 30 years, we’ve graduated from the iconic yellow Walkman and made some serious upgrades. It’s hard to believe we now walk around with tiny wireless earbuds. And, we even invest in seriously expensive headphones. Case in point, those $300 Beats by Dre headphones haven’t gone out of style since they hit store shelves in 2008.
We’ve also said goodbye to limited battery life. Modern technology has also given us endless hours of listening time, thanks to rechargeable battery packs.
Photo by Stefanos Kofopoulos
Now, before you turn up the volume on your next listening session, here are some things that will keep your ears happy and healthy:
- Practice the 60/60 rule. Pay attention to the levels of sound you’re pumping in your ear. Listen at 60% volume for a maximum of 60 minutes at a time.
- Take some listening breaks. Exposure to loud sounds can cause damage to your hearing. It’s important to give your ears a break from the loud and continuous sound.
- Turn the volume down. We are oftentimes unaware that our headphones are too loud. One of the ways you can test your volume, is by holding your headphones at an arm’s length. If you can still hear the sound, then it’s probably too loud.
- Get informed. These days, some digital devices include a volume-limiting technology. Double check your smartphone and tablet’s settings and put a restriction on your maximum sound levels.
We want to know, what kind of headphones do you love? Share in the comments below.
Remember, hearing loss is irreversible, but you can take steps to prevent it. Happy listening!
