As the summer heat gives way to cooler fall temps, the nice weather is an opportunity to get outside and train for that marathon or listen to your favorite album while out on a walk. If indoor activities are more your style, your gym or workout class might provide energetic music, or you might prefer to pipe in your own. Whatever the activity, if music is a part of it then read on for some things to keep in mind to help keep your ears in good shape too.
If headphones are your listening tool of choice, be aware that headphone volume can reach levels of 100 decibels – similar to being next to a jackhammer or chainsaw – so it is recommended that volume be limited to no more than 50 or 60 percent of the maximum. Some smartphones include features that track listening levels, which can be helpful to keep your safe listening goals on track.
There are also different types of headphones to help make your listening experience pleasant and conducive to the type of activity. For example, earbuds may be more comfortable when participating in a low impact activity (like walking), whereas over-the-ear style headphones may secure better when running. Another option may be bone conduction headphones that sit in front of the ear, leaving the ears unobstructed. This allows for the convenience and safety aspect of being able to hear environmental sounds while still enjoying music.
Regardless of the style of headphone – or no headphones at all – it’s important to keep the volume reasonable and take listening breaks. A lot of running races discourage or do not allow the use of headphones during the race, so a listening break can also be a great opportunity to take in your surroundings and hear the crowd cheer you on to the finish line.
Depending on your activity, your hearing aids can also play a role in safe listening, as many hearing aids feature Bluetooth capability, allowing you to stream directly from your smartphone. If you do wear your hearing aids during a workout, be sure to take steps to properly dry them once you’re done. While many hearing aids are water- and sweat-resistant, using a dehumidifying or drying system can help keep them in topnotch working order.
Whatever the type of workout, music can play an integral role in motivating us to move and achieving personal fitness goals. From booming beats in an intervals-focused spin class to keeping pace with the perfectly curated running playlist, it’s important to consider your hearing health when working on overall wellness.
If you notice you may be experiencing hearing difficulty, reach out to a licensed hearing professional in your area today. There are many options available and treating hearing loss can help keep you engaged, active, and doing the things you love.
The Hearing Industries Association is the trusted voice on hearing health care for product innovation, public policy, patient safety and education.
