How to set healthy noise limits related to headsets?

You might find that your preferred method of self-care involves cranking up your headphones and listening to music or a podcast. Your hearing may not benefit from it, though. Recent research suggests that excessive loudness may contribute to hearing loss in the future.

Noise exposure can cause hearing loss that builds up after one very loud exposure or, more frequently, steadily over time with poor hearing hygiene behaviors.We live in a loud environment where many individuals frequently expose themselves to dangerous noise levels that might have long-term health effects. Here are some tips for protecting your ears:

Keep sound to 70 dBA

The NIH explains in Trusted Source that decibels are used to measure sound and that, "Even after prolonged exposure, sounds at or below 70 A-weighted decibels (dBA) are unlikely to induce hearing damage. Hearing loss, however, can result from prolonged or repetitive exposure to noises at or above 85 dBA.

If someone needs to struggle to talk or be heard above background noise, that's more than roughly 75 decibels, and that's a pretty good general indicator.

Since it might be challenging to determine a device's decibel output, we advise using it at 50% of its maximum volume and limiting your listening duration.There are safety precautions when using earbuds, but even these call for consumer or parental supervision.You may check your average listening level in the app to make sure it is under the advised limit of 70 dBA.

Another choice is volume-limited headphones for children; these headphones generally have volume limitations set at about 85 dBA and still need parental supervision for use hours and volume level.

Use a sound level meter app

There are numerous affordable or free sound level meter apps like Trusted Source that can help you assess how noisy your surroundings are. One is provided without charge by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Wear hearing protection

There are several different kinds of hearing protection available that are intended to shield you from outside sounds.

For instance, hearing protection designed specifically for musicians can help preserve sound quality while still offering security.Hearing protection comes in many forms — earmuffs, foam plugs, reusable non-custom plugs, and custom fit hearing protection. To determine the level of protection that is optimal for your intended use, see a hearing health specialist.

Know the warning signs of hearing loss

The most typical early warning symptoms of hearing loss are difficulty hearing in loud settings and the perception that you can hear people but not understand what they are saying. Tinnitus, often known as ringing in the ears, is frequently a precursor to hearing loss and a marker of damage to the auditory system.

Get your hearing checked regularly

We advise having your hearing examined annually if you are over 50 or are exposed to hazardous levels of noise. Get your hearing evaluated right away if you notice any changes in your hearing or new or worsening ringing in your ears.