Handsome man listening to music during morning walk

Have you blown it? Knowing how loud is too loud

by | Sep 21, 2018 | Patient Resources | 0 comments

Have you ever wondered why you loved blasting out music as loud as it could possibly go when you were a teenager, but not now? It is much more than a matter of taste; there are actually some fascinating scientific reasons behind why our volume dials tend to get turned lower when we get older.


Blocking it all out

There is so much going on when you’re a teenager. Does your crush even know who you are? How do you get rid of this terrible zit in time for Prom? How do you walk through school without those bullies noticing you? How do you handle that annoying little sister? And let’s not mention the very worst bit – the fun police parents curbing every tiny shred of happiness you have remaining.

Loud music does a fantastic job of blocking out all of these thoughts and completely immersing a teenager blissfully into another world, free of all the angst. As we grow up, we develop responsibilities that we cannot reasonably ignore and block out. We lower the music because we need to concentrate on doing these things properly, as well as keeping eyes in the back of our heads to make sure our own kids or pets aren’t getting into trouble.


It feels good

Listening to loud music as a teenager actually releases feel-good endorphins, promoting a sense of relaxation and happiness, even if they are listening to thrash metal.

If you are an adult, you may already be experiencing some form of hearing loss, so you release fewer endorphins and experience more pain or frustration when you turn the volume right up.


Don’t trust the device

Remember, just because devices have volume controls, doesn’t mean that the highest setting has been tested for safety. In fact, there are currently no regulations around volume levels. Most often, it is way above a safe limit for your ears.

Most adults, unfortunately, don’t realize that they have any hearing loss for some time until more obvious signs arise such as struggling to hear on the phone. If you feel you may have done some damage to your hearing over the years, speak to our friendly staff and get it treated nice and early. We will conduct a full hearing screening and minimize any damage before it gets worse.

 

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Dr. Heidi J Sorrells - Audiologist

Dr. Heidi J. Sorrells obtained her doctorate degree from Salus University in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, and master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Minot State University in Minot, North Dakota. She is a certified audiologist by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and she holds a Louisiana and a Texas audiology license. Dr. Sorrells enjoys all aspects of working in a private practice audiology clinic but especially loves the challenges of vestibular (balance) assessment and rehabilitation.