using headphones for extended durations.
It’s not solely about ear safety, but also the potential for hearing impairment. This is where the 60-60 guideline can be beneficial, as it aids headphone users in safeguarding their ear health and hearing abilities. The guideline is simple to recall and encompasses two factors: sound intensity and exposure time. The 60-60 guideline indicates that you should enjoy music at 60% of the headphones’ maximum volume for a maximum of 60 minutes before taking a pause. Following the 60-60 guideline would assist an individual in remaining within safe listening thresholds, and provide the ear opportunities to rest from sound exposure.
The World Health Organization (WHO) clarifies that continuous exposure to loud noises can result in a form of hearing loss termed noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). This occurs because the sensory cells within the ear that convey sound to the brain can be impacted by loud noises. The California Hearing Center further elucidates that the cells that facilitate hearing do not regenerate once damaged, rendering NIHL permanent. They emphasize that the three factors that can contribute to hearing loss are elevated volume, prolonged exposure, and cumulative exposure. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders further elaborates that the damage can occur instantly when the volume is excessively loud. It can also develop over extended periods of exposure to high volume. This type of NIHL may initially go unnoticed, but some individuals might eventually display symptoms.