Loud music can cause ear damage.
Loud music hurts your ears because loud noises damage the hairs lining the cochlea, the sensory organ in the inner ear. Over time, exposure to loud noises can noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) or tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Definition
"Loud music" is music played at an unsafe decibel level for long-term exposure. An average conversation is around 65 dB, while an iPod's highest setting is around 100 dB, and rock concerts and clubs regularly reach 110 to 120 dB.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss due to noise exposure can be temporary or permanent. Symptoms include trouble hearing over background noise, muffled hearing, a feeling of stuffiness or "fullness" in the ears and speaking loudly.
Tinnitus
Another possible effect of loud music is tinnitus, a sensation of noises in the ear, including ringing and buzzing. Tinnitus can cause trouble sleeping, stress and anxiety.
Prevention
You can prevent ear damage from loud music by protecting your ears. Use noise-canceling headphones instead of turning the music up to be audible over background noise, and wear ear plugs at concerts and clubs.
Treatment
Unfortunately, ear damage cannot be reversed. Hearing aids may be recommended to treat hearing loss, and white noise machines can help cancel out the phantom noises of tinnitus.
Tags: background noise, concerts clubs, hearing loss, Loud music, loud noises