Listening to music with headphones in this day and age is a common activity for people.  No matter the location, people are able to listen to their music at anytime, thanks to this technology.  While headphones may be practical and convenient, scientists have proved that the usage of headphones contributes to hearing loss.

Volume is an important factor that people need to be cautious of while listening to their headphones.  As long as the volume does not exceed more than half of the maximum level, there is nothing to worry about.  However, most people listen to music at a volume where they are unable to hear surrounding noises, the volume is too high.

According to Dr. Foy from the American Osteopathic Association, 120 decibels is equivalent to a sound level at a rock concert. At that level, hearing loss can occur after only about an hour and 15 minutes. Dr. Foy also feels that as a rule of thumb, a person should only use MP3 devices at levels up to 60 percent of the maximum volume for a total of 60 minutes a day.

Furthermore, the amount of time spent listening to music with headphones can detrimentally affect one’s hearing.  People who work while listening to music on the job tend to develop a disease called tinnitus.  Tinnitus is a condition in which people hear an incessant ringing noise in their ears.  If overdone, one can lose his hearing abilities completely.  In students’ daily lives, a balance of volume and duration can help prevent deafness.

The best way to avoid damaging your hearing is through limiting the amount time you listen to music with headphones and monitoring the volume in which you listen to music.