Can Exposure to Loud Music Deafen Me?

Back in May, I wrote about hearing loss, causes, and warning signs.  I shared stories from my life about things that contributed to my hearing loss like loud music resulting in oh so many ear aches.  Today’s modern earbuds can give access to music like you’re right there at the concert, but it comes with consequences. 

Unfortunately, the bad news is that listening to loud noise or music through earbuds can damage the tiny hair follicles in your inner ear. Overtime, this means that you will suffer with a type of permanent loss of hearing. This can be prevented, but like lots of people, we still listen to our music loud and turn it up even louder when we are in an environment such as public transport or a busy station.  This is going to really affect our ears over time. It is believed that you should only listen to your music at a moderate level. Experts recommend keeping sound levels at somewhere between 60 and 85 decibels. Anything over that is bad, but many of us listen to our music at up to 100 decibels. Only do this for a limited amount of time and not continuously. It’s good to be on top of your health

 

 

 

 

 

Can a one time exposure to loud music deafen me?

 

A one-time exposure to extreme loud sound or listening to loud sounds for a long time can cause hearing loss or it may lead to Tinnitus. Tinnitus is where you can hear a loud ringing or buzzing in your ears, more often it sounds worse when it is quiet. Loud noise can damage cells and membranes in the cochlea so it’s best to avoid it at all costs. Tinnitus does not mean that you are deaf, but it means that there could be damage that could lead to hearing loss further down the line. So if you are at a music concert and you don’t wear ear plugs, it could effectively put your hearing in danger. So if you’re someone who doesn’t really know how best to go about looking after your hearing, think about these top tips next time:

 

  1. Use earplugs. The louder the noise and the longer you’re exposed to it, the greater the chance of causing hearing loss. Do this at concerts or anytime when the sounds around you are loud.
  2. Turn down the music – period! 
  3. Use the 60:60 rule. 
  4. Wear headphones.  
  5. Wear ear protectors.
  6. Limit your time listening to music.

Hearing loss and tinnitus can occur in one or both ears and hearing loss is also similar but often affects both ears. Sometimes exposure to impulse or continuous loud noise causes a temporary hearing loss that disappears 16 to 48 hours later, which means that a one time event can have a temporary effect on you. It’s good to get a hearing test every few years to ensure that your hearing is top notch. It’s super easy and you can learn more if you want to. It’s good to know what to expect but it is simple and easy. If you want to stay on top of your hearing, then a hearing test every five years is great. Take care of your ears the same way that you do your eyes and your hearing can certainly last a lifetime. Don’t subject your ears to loud sounds and music, turn it down and be sensible.

 

Live smart and stay safe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a collaborative post but all opinons are my own.

 

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Carol

I was raised in Tennessee but have lived in Florida for many years. Love my small home in the Tampa Bay area and its developing garden. My decorating style is eclectic - some vintage, some cottage, all with a modern flair. Pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Spent many years in social services but am happily retired.

5 thoughts to “Can Exposure to Loud Music Deafen Me?”

  1. I’ve had tinnitus for years, not sure from what, but like everyone else went to as many concerts as possible. I’ve had problems for years, but some of it is not being familiar with someone’s dialect, like the way teenagers talk and some is wax build up. But good advice nonetheless.

    1. I’ve had tinnitus since I was 8 years old – they say it is a sign of damage. Children’s voices are really hard for me as they are soft and higher pitched. I hear low male voices much better.

  2. Very interesting — I never was into super loud music (like rock concert style) but I know my hearing has been changed over time. I have the tinnitus and have had for ages. Ambient noise really gets to me — it’s hard to hear people in the car! But I can hear Lizzie’s toenails on the wooden floor. Go figure.

    1. I have the same problem – I think the ambient noise has to do with frequency – I have trouble with higher pitches. In the car the wind is usually whistles in a higher key I think. In the home you probably are sitting in a quiet room and it’s easier to hear toe nails. Right now I’m sitting in my living room and I have my tinnitus whistle and the a/c blower in the background. That’s about as quiet as it gets for me.

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