{"id":7992,"date":"2023-01-06T18:09:32","date_gmt":"2023-01-07T01:09:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arizonahearing.com\/?p=7992"},"modified":"2023-01-06T18:10:57","modified_gmt":"2023-01-07T01:10:57","slug":"are-my-headphones-too-loud","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arizonahearing.com\/are-my-headphones-too-loud\/","title":{"rendered":"Are My Headphones Too Loud?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The World Health Organization (WHO)<\/a> reports that, \u201cOver 1 billion young adults are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices\u201d when listening to music and other media through earbuds and headphones. Below we review how to tell if you\u2019re at risk of noise-induced hearing loss<\/a> and provide tips for listening safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are You at Risk of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Try the following tests to see if you\u2019re at risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check the Volume<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The golden rule of listening to music is called the 60\/60 rule, which states you should listen at no more than 60% of the device\u2019s maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time. Check the volume bar to make sure it\u2019s set below the two-thirds mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hold Your Headphones at Arm\u2019s Length<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Start playing music at the desired volume, then take off your headphones and hold them at arm\u2019s length. If you\u2019re able to hear the music, it means it\u2019s too loud and you could be putting yourself at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make Sure You Can Hear Those Around You<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It shouldn\u2019t be difficult to hear someone if they start speaking to you when your headphones are on. If someone is within three feet of you and you can\u2019t hear what they\u2019re saying, turn down the volume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Invest in a Sound Meter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sound meters are devices that measure sound levels in decibels. They are important because they can tell you at what point exactly your headphones are at a dangerous level. In fact, they can do this better than the volume bar, which is an arbitrary metric. Aim to play music at 85 dB or below for prolonged listening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To use the sound meter, connect your headphones to your audio source and start playing a song at the desired volume. Place the sound meter directly in the inner part of the headphones\u2019 earcups. It should automatically show the decibel level on the LED display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Safe Listening<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To ensure you\u2019re listening safely, follow these tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n