When you’re using headphones, it’s easy to get lost in the music and start pitching the volume higher and higher. While this may help you enjoy the song better, it’s not good for your hearing, especially when you do it frequently. The ear can only take a certain level of noise.
You will not notice the effect of listening to loud music right away. However, over time, the hearing damage can accumulate. There’s a possibility that you’ll notice the problem when it’s already grave. To avoid this, it’s better if you take the necessary precautions.
- When using headphones, make sure you can still make a conversation with the person sitting next to you.
It’s true that most people use headphones to block outside noise and avoid making any conversations. However, it does not mean you have to turn the volume to its fullest. When the person beside you is talking, and you can’t hear any words he or she is saying, then your headphones are most probably too loud.
- Buy headphones that are proven safe.
There are different kinds of headphones available in the market. If you really want to block out background noise without having to turn the volume too loud, then you might want to buy noise cancelling or noise isolation headphones. These are especially fitting when you tend to go to busy places, like the train station, where the noise is high. There are other fitting ear pieces that you can discover here.
- Use an audio limiter especially when you’re using the headphones for work.
An audio limiter is a tool closely similar to an audio compressor. It is used to reduce the range of volume, thus limiting it and preventing you from going overboard. This is helpful for those people who tend to get carried away and continually press that “up” volume button.
- Listen to your phone high volume warning.
If you look at your phone, you will notice that it will warn you when you turn your volume louder than what is safe for your ears. Do not ignore this warning. If you really want to listen to loud music, it might be better if you use speakers instead of headphones instead.
- Use your headphones responsibly and with moderation.
It’s not a healthy habit to always put earphones on. Give your ears a break then and now. If there’s no one with you in the room, then it’s better to unplug the device and listen to the music using the speakers of your phone.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to health, no one can be too safe. Do not compromise your hearing just because you want to be able to listen to music. There’s a limit to everything, so the best thing you can do is to control yourself and make sure that you don’t strain your ears. If you start experiencing painful sensations in your ear, consult your doctor right away so that it can be remedied before it worsens.