Your ear likely hurts when you listen to music because you are listening at excessive volume.
The Problem: Excessive Volume and Your Ears
Listening to music at high volumes for extended periods can fatigue your ears and lead to discomfort or pain. This is because loud noises can damage the delicate structures within your inner ear.
What's Considered "Excessive" Volume?
- Dangerous sound levels begin around 85 decibels (dB).
- Prolonged exposure to levels above 85 dB can cause temporary or permanent hearing damage.
How Loud is Too Loud?
To put this in perspective:
| Sound Source | Decibel Level (dB) | Risk of Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Conversation | 60 dB | Low |
| Hairdryer | 80-90 dB | Moderate |
| Motorcycle | 95 dB | High |
| Loud Music (Concert) | 110+ dB | Very High |
Potential Causes & Solutions
Here's a breakdown of why your ear might hurt and what you can do about it:
-
Listening Too Loud, Too Long:
- Problem: Your ears are being bombarded with sound, leading to temporary fatigue and potentially long-term damage.
- Solution: Reduce the volume! Take breaks from listening to music, especially at high volumes. Use the "80/90 rule": listen at no more than 80% of the maximum volume for no more than 90 minutes at a time.
-
Earbuds/Headphones Blasting Directly into Your Ear:
- Problem: Earbuds and headphones deliver sound directly into your ear canal, which can be more intense than listening through speakers.
- Solution: Consider over-ear headphones which may provide a slightly more diffused sound. Use noise-canceling headphones to reduce the need to crank up the volume to drown out background noise.
-
Underlying Ear Condition:
- Problem: You may have a pre-existing condition like tinnitus, hyperacusis (increased sensitivity to sound), or an ear infection.
- Solution: Consult an audiologist or doctor to diagnose and treat any underlying ear conditions.
-
Earwax Buildup:
- Problem: Excessive earwax can become impacted and put pressure on your ear drum or become irritated by earbuds.
- Solution: See a doctor for professional earwax removal. Avoid using cotton swabs, as they can push the wax further in.
Prevention is Key
Protecting your hearing is essential. If you frequently listen to music through headphones or in loud environments, take these steps:
- Lower the Volume: This is the most important step!
- Take Breaks: Give your ears a rest.
- Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: This allows you to listen at a lower volume while still enjoying your music.
- Regular Hearing Checkups: Get your hearing tested regularly by an audiologist.
