How Loud Is Too Loud? Protecting Your Child's Hearing

By Melanie King, AuD

All music players, if used carelessly, can cause damage to your hearing organs.

The main three variables that can affect your and your child's hearing are (1) the volume at which the device is set, (2) the duration of time the device is worn and (3) the type of headphone used.

Volume is measured in decibels (dB). Decibels can range anywhere from 0 dB, upward. Normal conversational speech comes in at approximately 60 dB. A 90 dB signal, of any kind, for an extended period of time can cause hearing loss. Today's music players can blast up to 100 decibels of sound directly into the ear canal. This amount of sound damages the small sensory cells, called hair cells, in the hearing organ.

Duration has become an increasing problem since today's music players are able to play for extended hours per day. This is where volume and duration work together the louder the volume, the shorter period of wear time it takes to cause permanent damage. Consider the following

At 85 decibels, eight hours of use can cause measurable, permanent hearing loss

At 88 decibels, four hours of use can cause the same amount of damage.

At 100-105 decibels, damage can occur in just 8-15 minutes.

Today's music players typically come with ear buds that are placed directly in the ear canal, much closer to the eardrum than traditional headphones. The closer the sound is presented in proximity to the eardrum, the louder it will be. Therefore, over-the-ear headphones will help decrease the volume just by being further from the eardrum. Another option is noise-canceling headphones. By reducing the amount of background noise overheard, the natural inclination to increase the volume of the music goes away.

Most music players allow you to change the internal setting in order to set the maximum volume level allowed. Try setting the maximum level at 75 or 50%. Be aware of the volume and duration that your child uses their music player and educate them on the importance of protecting their hearing.

Have your child's hearing tested by an audiologist to get a baseline of their hearing and to ensure that no damage has been done. Any time changes in hearing acuity are noticed, a re-evaluation is recommended. During your child's evaluation, discuss ways that you can both reduce your risk of hearing loss.