Exposure to loud sounds causes damage to the ear’s sensory cells that can result in hearing loss or tinnitus. The rise of personal devices make it easy to access podcasts, music, and videos that at a high volume can cause lasting damage. However, for some these choices aren’t always recreational and are more occupational. Nashville is home to many singers and songwriters who are subjected to loud music as part of their job and don’t take care to prevent permanent damage. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep yourself safe from loud noises. Read on to learn more about noise-induced hearing loss.
What is noise-induced hearing loss?
When noise is too loud, it can kill off cells in the inner ear, and with prolonged exposure more and more cells are destroyed. Different variables can affect hearing loss, but noise-induced hearing loss differs because it is preventable. One in ten Americans has a hearing loss that affects their day-to-day activities and their ability to communicate with other individuals. Excessive exposure to noise is the most common cause and creates permanent damage. The National Institute of Health reports that about 15 percent of Americans aged 20 to 69 have high-frequency hearing loss related to occupational or leisure activities and musicians are the most susceptible. Currently, there is no way to restore life to these dead cells and taking preventative action is that more important.
Noise level is a cause for concern.
The World Health Organization estimates:
43 million people between the ages of 12–35 years live
with disabling hearing loss due to different causes.
Nearly 50% are of these individuals are exposed to unsafe levels of sound from the use of personal audio devices.
Around 40% are exposed to potentially damaging sound levels at clubs, discotheques and bars.
Turn down the volume to prevent hearing loss.
Unsafe levels of noise is one of the reason for hearing loss for most musicians and practicing safe listening is vital to reduce the risk of damage. The average person speaks between 40 to 60 dB, and a rock concert is roughly 110 to 120 dB. Sitting for eight hours listening to noise at 85 dB (about the noise level of traffic) is excessive, but for the average musician, this could be an average day in the studio. The lead singer from Coldplay, Chris Martin, knows all too well the dangers of listening to music too loudly. In an article for CNN, he states, "Looking after your ears is, unfortunately, something you don't think about until there's a problem. I've had tinnitus for about ten years, and since I started protecting my ears, it hasn't got any worse (touch wood). But I wish I'd thought about it earlier."
How to practice safe listening.
There are a few ways to prevent permanent damage to the ear’s sensory cells.
Keep the volume down: The recommended safe listening is below 85 dB for no longer than eight hours.
Limit the time spent doing noisy activities: Having short listening breaks when at concerts, in bars, or the studio will have a huge pay off down the line.
Distance yourself: Move away from loud noises so you aren't sitting right underneath the speakers.
Use noise canceling earphones: When listening to personal devices, noise canceling earphones eliminate background noise so you can listen to music at a lower volume.
Wear earplugs: Frequent time spent in music venues and clubs could benefit from custom earplugs which reduce the noise level from 5 to 45 dB.
Custom earplugs are one of the best ways to reduce damage caused by loud music. In the same article from CNN, Martin says he and his kids practice safe listening daily. "Now we always use moulded filter plugs, or in-ear monitors, to try and protect our ears," he says.
Our team of physicians, practitioners, and experienced audiologists at OAT will fit you for custom earplugs to protect yourself from lasting damage.
