In the video age, we all spend several hours a day listening to all kinds of different audio signals. We might stream a television show or podcast. We might join webinars or video calls for work or school. All of them have become the norm of our modern-day life. While they have become ingrained in our social consciousness, they do present a problem. What is a safe volume level to help protect our hearing from unsafe levels?
This blog will explore safe sound settings for all of those audio signals and explore how to better protect your hearing for years to come. Protecting your ears from unsafe sound levels is important to maintaining your hearing health.
Safe Listening Matters
Our ears are a very sensitive organ. The inner ear has tiny hair cells that vibrate when they detect sound. However, when these cells are exposed to loud noise for too long, they can become damaged. Over time, this damage can lead to permanent hearing loss or tinnitus, which is a constant ringing or buzzing sound in the ears.
Most people use headphones or earbuds to listen to their daily entertainment. However, this means our ears receive the brunt of the volume almost around the clock. That is why learning safe listening habits can make a big difference.
Safe Volume Levels
A general rule recommended by hearing-health professionals is the 60/60 rule:
- Listen at no more than 60% of your device’s maximum volume.
- Limit headphone use to 60 minutes at a time before taking a break.
Most smartphones, tablets, and computers also have built-in tools that show whether your volume level is safe or not.
Choosing the Right Headphones
Headphones and earbuds vary widely in quality and design, and the type you use can affect safe listening. Noise-canceling headphones can reduce outside noise, allowing you to listen at lower volumes. Over-the-ear headphones are also generally safer than earbuds because they provide a better seal and require less volume to produce clear sound.
While earbuds are convenient and popular, they sit very close to the eardrum, which may make it easier to exceed safe noise levels. If earbuds are your preferred choice, be sure to keep the volume low and take frequent breaks. Give your ears a rest periodically so they can recover and remain healthy.
Safe Listening While Streaming
Action scenes or music may be unexpectedly loud compared to dialogue, so one way to combat that and keep your ears safe is by:
- Adjust your device’s sound settings to use a “volume limit” or “reduce loud sounds” feature if available.
- Use subtitles when possible; this reduces the need to increase volume during quiet dialogue.
- Keep speakers or soundbars at a moderate level, especially in small rooms where sound reflects easily.
Safe Listening for Podcasts
Podcasts often have more consistent volume levels than movies or TV shows. However, some episodes may still have background music, ads, or sudden volume changes.
Safe listening habits include:
- Checking the volume at the start of each episode.
- Avoid listening in noisy places where you may be tempted to raise the volume too high.
- Choosing podcasts with high sound quality, as clearer audio often requires lower volume.
Sound Levels for Video Calls
Video calls are now common for school, work, and staying connected with friends and family.
To protect your hearing during video calls:
- Use headphones with good sound clarity to avoid raising the volume.
- Reduce background noise by closing windows and moving away from loud appliances.
- Ask others to speak clearly or adjust their microphone settings if needed. Good communication supports safe volume levels.
Conclusion
By keeping volume levels moderate, choosing the right listening equipment, and taking breaks, you can continue enjoying streaming, podcasts, and video calls without risking damage to your ears. Remember, once your hearing is damaged, it could be permanent. Protecting your ears is the best way to ensure your hearing health.