Who doesn’t know the phenomenon: choose one of your favorite songs, put on your headphones, start playing and immediately use the volume control. What is liked should be played loudly. The bad news is that listening with headphones is generally way too loud. On the one hand, this is due to the default settings on the end devices, the majority of which are now smartphones. But it also has to do with devices that are very close to the ear.
Although many songs sound better at high volume, this can permanently damage your hearing. To avoid permanent hearing damage, a volume of 85 decibels should not be exceeded. For most devices, this corresponds to around 50 to 80 percent of the specified maximum volume. Many devices now have warnings set up or automatically limit the volume (if you don’t turn this function off).
However, the following applies: The safety of your hearing depends not only on the volume, but also on the duration of use. The WHO and other health organizations recommend that a maximum duration of eight hours per day should not be exceeded, with an average volume of no more than 85 decibels. Even the smallest increase in decibel numbers has a massive impact on hearing, which is why the following guidelines apply to use in order to protect your own hearing:
- 90 decibels (dBA): 2 hours per day
- 100 decibels (dBA): 15 minutes maximum per day
- 120 decibels (dBA) and above: Never more than a few seconds per day as it can cause immediate damage
It is important to note that individual sensitivities may vary, and some people are more sensitive to loud noises than others. The use of earplugs, not just at concerts but under earpieces, as well as noise cancellation functions can also help reduce strain on the ears.
Use wireless headphones correctly
Wireless headphones with noise cancellation have an advantage over other models because they create a more pleasant listening experience by limiting background noise and thus make it possible to listen to music at a lower volume on the train, for example. However, studies show that many people do not use this function as much as it would be good for them and, out of habit, choose the volume control on their smartphone in a similar way to other headphones without this option.
To reduce the strain on the ear canals, it is crucial that you take frequent breaks when listening to music with headphones. If you notice that other people nearby can hear the headphones, there is a good chance that the volume is set too high. A reduction in volume is then necessary.