Even if you don’t crank up the volume to the highest level, there’s still a good chance you’re playing your music or video games too loudly. DiStefano warns that the louder the sound, the less time you should be exposed to it. 

Sound is measured in units called decibels (see “Sound Check”). Experts say listening to any sound louder than 85 decibels for prolonged periods can cause hearing damage. The 2022 study showed that it’s common for young people to listen to smartphones and other devices at 105 decibels. Listening to sounds that loud for even a few minutes a day can harm your ears. 

Doctors point out that for many people, hearing loss happens slowly over time. So they often don’t realize there’s a problem until it’s too late. And noise-related hearing loss can be permanent. 

You might not crank up the volume to the highest level. But there’s still a good chance you’re playing your music or video games too loudly. DiStefano warns that the louder the sound, the less time you should be exposed to it. 

Sound is measured in units called decibels (see “Sound Check”). Experts say listening to any sound louder than 85 decibels for prolonged periods is bad for you. It can cause hearing damage. The 2022 study showed that young people often listen to smartphones and other devices at 105 decibels. Listening to sounds that loud can harm your ears. That's true even if it’s just for a few minutes a day.

Doctors point out that for many people, hearing loss happens slowly over time. So they often don’t realize there’s a problem until it’s too late. And noise-related hearing loss can be permanent. 

There is some good news, though. You can often prevent hearing damage. Doctors say a good way to avoid problems is to be smart about using headphones and earbuds. Here are some tips.

Ask a friend. “If somebody else can hear your music from your headphones, then that means it’s too loud,” explains DiStefano. 

Check your settings. Many devices allow you to set your headphones to a certain level. (On an iPhone, for example, the volume can be set to not go above 75 decibels.) They can also notify you if the sound is too loud for too long. A parent can help you find these settings. 

Find the right fit. Earbuds and headphones that fit snugly will limit outside noise. That will allow you to hear your music better at lower volumes.

Take a break. Like every other part of your body, your ears need rest. DiStefano suggests using what’s called the 60/60 rule. Play your device at or below 60 percent of maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes per day. Then let your ears enjoy the quiet.

There is some good news, though. You can often prevent hearing damage. Doctors say you need to be smart about using headphones and earbuds. Here are some tips.

Ask a friend. “If somebody else can hear your music from your headphones, then that means it’s too loud,” explains DiStefano.

Check your settings. Many devices allow you to set your headphones to a certain level. (On an iPhone, for example, the volume can be set to not go above 75 decibels.) Devices can also notify you if the sound is too loud for too long. A parent can help you find these settings.

Find the right fit. Earbuds and headphones that fit snugly will limit outside noise. That will allow you to hear your music better at lower volumes.

Take a break. Your ears are like every other part of your body. They need rest. DiStefano suggests using what’s called the 60/60 rule. Play your device at or below 60 percent of maximum volume. Do this for no more than 60 minutes per day. Then let your ears enjoy the quiet.

1. What does the article describe as a myth about hearing loss?
2. Why do doctors say it is important to find the right fit for headphones or earbuds?
3. What is the purpose of the sidebar, “Sound Check”?

1. What does the article describe as a myth about hearing loss?
2. Why do doctors say it is important to find the right fit for headphones or earbuds?
3. What is the purpose of the sidebar, “Sound Check”?