- Fast Fact: Sound engineers argue that louder tracks actually
sound worse.
Loudness is how we experience sound pressure, which is
measured in decibels (dB). A
conversation is about 60 dB and a rock concert is about 120 dB. Listening to
sounds of 85 dB or louder for long periods of time can cause permanent
hearing damage.
- Fast Fact: The mosquito sound is a very high frequency noise that people with noise-induced hearing loss can't hear. Test yourself and your parents!
iPods, at
full volume, can generate sound up to 130 dB. According to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, hearing damage can occur after just five minutes a day of 130 dB sound. This
research also showed that the majority
of people listen to music at a level that could damage their hearing when in
noisy environments, like on flights or subway rides, that make it difficult to
hear the music.
- Fast Fact: Most music players have features designed to improve sound quality at reduced volume. Try using features like bass boost, sound check and volume limit or check your music player's instructions.
Turning up
the volume to counteract background noise is dangerous. Instead, to preserve
your hearing, you can get a good pair of noise isolating or noise cancelling
earphones. Noise isolation earphones
fit snugly in the ear and work like an earplug with a speaker inside: they
block outside noise, so you hear more music at lower volumes.
Even
better, noise cancelling earphones
actually counteract background noise so all you hear is your music. These
earphones send out sound waves that match the annoying outside sound. The sound waves and background noise cancel
each other out so that all you hear is your music. However, to be safe, don't wear earphones
when walking near traffic or train tracks. Not hearing traffic increases your
risk of getting injured in an accident.
So here's
your excuse to get a really nice pair
of earphones – your music will sound better at a lower volume so you can enjoy
your music for longer each day... and longer into your life.
- Fast Fact: Scientists at Oregon Health and Science University have actually been able to grow hearing hair cells in mice, which may lead to treatments for hearing loss. Still, that's no excuse to damage your hearing now!
Learn More!
Sound Science: Pete Townshend blames headphones for hearing loss
Teens crank up iPod volume, risk hearing damage
