Use your earbuds in moderation to avoid hearing loss.
Last week we talked about how earbuds can impact your hearing, but let’s be real—kicking the cans entirely won’t help us enjoy the tunes we love. So how can you prevent noise-induced hearing loss due to earbuds? Here’s a few tips to help you out.
Moderation is Key
It’s like you’ve heard the phrase, “All things in moderation.” Using your earbuds is no exception to this rule. That doesn’t mean you have to stop listening to the music you love, but the louder the volume the faster you’re going to experience hearing loss. A good rule of thumb to follow is the 60-60 rule. That means listening to music no louder than 60% of the maximum value, and limiting your exposure to earbuds to 60 minutes at a time. Another thing to keep in mind is that if the person next to you can hear your music, your earbuds are likely too loud and contributing to hearing loss. If you’re listening too loud you’re also deafening one of your senses and won’t be aware of your surroundings. Pedestrians put themselves at risk of accidents when their earbuds are too loud, for example.
Earbud Alternatives
Just about every smartphone these days comes with a pair of earbuds, and one of the problems is that they’re often cheap in quality. Investing in a higher quality audio solution, such as headphones, can ease the problem of hearing loss. Noise-cancelling headphones are a great option because they block out the music around you, and you won’t have to turn up the volume so loud to get the same level of clarity. Because the source of sound is not directly in your ear canal, headphones do not present quite as much risk as earbuds. Still, practicing good moderation when it comes to your listening habits is important for avoiding any hearing loss in the future.
Hear Better with Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently-owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
Come in for a walk-in appointment on Tuesdays & Fridays from 10:00am to 11:30am, or contact us to schedule an appointment by calling 410-698-6594 or visiting our contact page. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, and LinkedIn for more blog posts, news, and updates!