Effect of Loud Music

Abstract

Music at 85 decibels or higher can cause different health problems. Loud music could develop noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus in an individual and can permanently damage auditory nerves of the human brain. Researchers have found that loud music reduced the memory recall power and reaction time of an individual. Further, it could impair the decision-making ability of peoples and lead to chronic elevation of blood pressure. In addition, it could weaken a person self control and encourage people to make impulsive purchases. If not listened to at a safe decibel level, music can cause different physical and psychological health problems.

Effects of Loud Music

People are exposed to loud music environments professionally or recreationally. The sound technology advancement and growing music industries have increased the number of people exposed to loud music. People are exposed to loud music through concerts, dances clubs, home theaters, car audios, iPods or smartphones. Most of the music lovers are unaware about the level of music’s volume appropriate for their ears. People like to listen to their favorite music at a loud volume. Loud music can cause different health problems and can impair decision-making ability. It is necessary to use preventive measures before exposing yourself to loud music.

Unsafe Music

Sound is measured in unit decibels (db.). The softest sound is of 0db; normal talking is 40db- 60db, and a maximum headphone sound is 110db, and a rock concert is in between 110d-120db and can be as high as 140db in front of speaker (Vorvick, 2012). The sound at level 85db or higher is more dangerous for human ears than lower db. The sound produced by a vacuum cleaner, a noisy restaurant and New York City’s traffic are all rated around 85 decibels (C Crane Company,Inc, 2013). The hearing loss risk depends on the time, loudness, closeness, family history of hearing loss and devices used. There are different jobs or activities like musician, sound crew member, record engineer, night club member, concert attendee, portable music device user and car audio user that increase the chances of temporary and permanent hearing loss. For instance, listening to music at level 5 or above for more than 15 minutes in a headphone can cause long-term hearing damage. In addition, a report has shown that 62 percent of regular clubbers and 72 percent of regular concert attendees have a problem with their hearing (“Loud music threat to young”, 1999).

Sound pressure level Duration per 24-h period

85 dB 8h

86.2dB 6h

88dB 4h

89.2dB 3h

91dB 2h

92.2dB 1.5h