Tips and Tricks for Preventing Hearing Loss
Do you know anyone in your family or among your friends who listens to music too loudly? This can lead to hearing loss.
For many people, music is part of everyday life. These days, in addition to over-ear headphones, there are also small, handy, and unobtrusive in-ear headphones. However, because they are so close to the eardrum, they can put a lot of strain on your hearing.
In-ear headphones also do not provide optimal isolation from ambient noise, which can lead to users quickly turning up the volume. This can result in hearing loss, including hearing impairmentor deafness. Prof. Dr. Roland Laszig of the University Medical Center Freiburg estimates the pain threshold for adult hearing at 85 decibels (dB). This level can be reached quickly with in-ear headphones if used incorrectly. To prevent hearing damage, this limit should not be exceeded over the long term.
In the EU, only portable music players that are limited to 85 dB may be sold. Devices from other countries, however, can play at volumes of up to 110 dB. Consumers should therefore look for the GS mark on the packaging; it indicates whether a device complies with the EU standard.
Over-ear headphones—better for your hearing
Over-ear headphones are a good alternative. They fit snugly over the ears and are also more comfortable and deliver a richer sound. The diaphragm is positioned farther from the eardrum, while the headphones form a tight seal around the ear. This effectively blocks out ambient noise and creates a richer sound experience without having to turn the volume up too high. High-quality over-ear headphones can even actively suppress outside noise. They pick up ambient noise with small microphones and counteract it with anti-noise.
Since your ears need a break every now and then, users should still take frequent breaks when listening to music through headphones. Experts recommend the so-called “60/60 rule,” which means listening to music for no longer than 60 minutes at a time at a maximum of 60 percent of the maximum volume. Otherwise, your ears can become “fatigued.” People who notice that the music is getting quieter without having adjusted the volume should see an ENT specialist.
Incidentally, wearing any type of headphones while out on the road is dangerous, as it prevents you from properly hearing warning signals from other road users.
Tips for listening to music safely on the go
- Always stay below the 85-decibel limit
- Use music players that bear the GS mark.
- Follow the 60/60 rule
- Use over-ear headphones
- Take regular breaks
