Protecting Your Hearing Health: What is the 60-60 Rule?
Protecting Your Hearing Health: What is the 60-60 Rule?
Modern devices bring a lot of conveniences to our day-to-day lives. They help us connect and easily stream & watch videos and listen to our favourite music and podcasts wherever we go throughout the day. But with the rise in headphone and earbud use, the need to protect yourself from noise-induced hearing loss is greater than ever.
What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss refers to hearing loss that occurs due to damage to your cochlear hair cells caused by exposure to excessively loud noise for an extended period. Hearing loss due to noise exposure can be cumulative and is permanent, so it is important to take steps to protect your hearing health throughout your life.
What is the 60-60 Rule?
The 60/60 rule is a simple guideline developed by audiologists to help people enjoy using their earbuds and headphones without damaging their hearing.
The states that when you are using headphones or earbuds you should keep the volume at no more than 60% of the device’s maximum volume and only listen for 60 minutes at a time before taking a 10-minute break.
These straightforward rules for safeguarding against noise-induced hearing loss were developed from occupational safety guidelines that protect worker’s hearing health from job-related noise hazards.
Tips for Safe Listening and Protecting Your Hearing Health
Stick With Headphones
While earbuds are less bulky than traditional headphones, they can potentially be more damaging to your hearing because they sit directly in the ear canal. Headphones that sit over the ear are generally considered a better choice for safe listening if you are using them frequently.
Choose Audio Gear with Noise-Canceling Features
Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds with features to block out background noise aren’t just convenient, they can help protect your hearing too. Not only do noise-canceling features lessen the cumulative sound you’re exposed to, but it also helps you to clearly hear what you’re listening to without raising the volume. This makes it easier to stick to the 60-60 Rule.
Set Device Limits
Some devices have built-in safety features that allow you to limit your volume levels. You can also use your phone or device’s timer function to set reminders for yourself to take breaks every 60 minutes.
Wear Hearing Protection at Concerts
Headphones and earbuds aren’t the only way you can be exposed to high volumes for an extended period of time. If you regularly attend concerts or nightclubs with amplified music, protect yourself from noise-induced hearing loss by wearing ear plugs and ensuring you’re not positioned too close to the speakers.
When to Book a Hearing Evaluation
Don’t ignore the warning signs of hearing loss, continued exposure will only make things worse. If you’re experiencing persistent ringing in your ears, are having difficulties hearing high-pitched sounds or notice that you need people to repeat themselves more often in conversations, it’s time to book a hearing test.
Discover Hearing offers comprehensive hearing services provided by our licensed audiologist, including hearing assessments, hearing aid consultations and custom hearing protection. We’re dedicated to helping our clients find the right solutions to ensure they stay connected with the people and sounds that matter.
Need a hearing test St. Albert residents trust? Book an appointment with Discover Hearing for expert hearing care and audiometric evaluation services.
