Is there an optimal volume to listen to music?
Posted by: Steve J on 03 November 2012
The other day my wife came to join me to listen to some music and immediately asked me to turn the volume down as it was too loud. The volume wasn't as high as I usually have it, on my system it was at 8 o'clock and is often at 9 -10 o'clock.
I dutifully did as requested and initially felt uncomfortable feeling it was too low to appreciate the music but once acclimatised to the new lower volume I found it was really quite pleasurable and we enjoyed an evening listening to a number of LPs.
If I was asked the question above I would normally answer that I would have the volume approximately at the level I would expect an instrument or vocal to sound if played in the room. I think I was also influenced by my younger days when everybody I knew played music at a high volume. After my experience the other night I am now beginning to enjoy music played at a slightly lower volume which can only be good for my long term hearing.
There will always be exceptions such as playing Led Zep or The Who which has to be played loud but what do others here think? Does it depend on other factors such as where you live, the type of music you play etc.
ATB
Steve
I've just downloaded the SPL ap Hook suggested for 69p from iTunes. It works very well. My initial findings are the the volume I tend to listen to is around the 80db mark and the volume my wife asked me to reduce it to was about 60db. I think 70db is a nice compromise.
Thanks for the tip Hook,
ATB
Steve
My pleasure Doc! Once Mrs. Hook concurred that 82dB was an acceptable maximum, and once I had a way of making sure that was not being exceeded, all discussion on the topic ended. Peace at last! 
But then, all my solo listening is in a dedicated, well insulated room. So it was never a case of the sound level bothering Mrs. Hook's ears. She was strictly concerned about my hearing loss. Were I listening in our main room instead, am sure she would have negotiated for a lower volume level (as she does when we are watching a movie together).
Was just reading what George posted, and Walker was right of course. Like you, 80 dB is where I enjoy listening the most, with a plus/minus of 1-2 dB. Funny how a very small movement of the volume knob can make the difference between an album sounding right or not. Ditto for balance, as Darke Bear has often posted. Some may think think this is being hyper-critical, but I think the results are well worth the small effort!
ATB.
Hook
Cheers Hook. 80db does seem to be about the optimal level for me. Like you I have no problem of the volume interfering with my wife or son when I'm in my room, it's just the fact I reflected on sound levels after that experience listening at about 60db with my wife.
You are quite right about the difference small adjustments can make. I probably tweak the volume with nearly every LP I play. I guess you know when it's just right. the trouble is when the emotions take over when playing certain tracks like Hendrix 'All Along The Watchtower', LZ 'Since I've Been Loving You' etc when the volume knob gets cranked right up. I've just never listened to tracks like these at low volumes.
I don't know what your experience is with the younger generation but my kids don't listen to loud music like we did in the old days. I do find it odd. I guess they listen to more music with earphones which is probably more detrimental to their hearing.
Is your back still holding up?
ATB
Steve
I regrettably have tinnitus in my L ear; I am able to "ignore" it for the most part, but at any time I can consciously hear it if I choose to listen and think about it. It does worry me. I have completely stopped using the ear buds on my iPhone, which is where I think I got the problem cranked up. I bought some Nakamichi over the ear headphones which doesn't seem to drill the sound into my ear as much, and I have mitigated the volume some...probably not enough, because I like it loud.
Like Leslie West & Mountain first said; "Made loud to be played loud..."
That's tough Mark. Have you had your ears checked to make sure the tinnitus is not caused by something else? Sometimes a build up wax on the eardrum can cause tinnitus. Is your hearing otherwise OK?
ATB
Steve
I have been thinking of checking with an EENT, and may just do that before my insurance terminates. I have an otoscope and had a friend look in (a pharmacist, so he has some medical/anatomical knowledge) and he said it looked like the pictures of "normal" from our EENT slides. But I think your point is well taken Steve, and I should get off my butt and get it checked out.
I don't know what your experience is with the younger generation but my kids don't listen to loud music like we did in the old days. I do find it odd. I guess they listen to more music with earphones which is probably more detrimental to their hearing.
Is your back still holding up?
ATB
Steve
My Dad always used to shake his head and mutter "Kids these days." When I used to call his jazz albums boring, he would also say "You kids today don't know as much about music as you think you do"...
My Godson's brother is a musician and DJ. While Prince still lived here, he was the house DJ at Paisley Park, and he still occasionally tours with the little elf playing loops on a computer along with scratching a couple of turntables. Through him, I've gotten invites to lots of private parties and shows here in Minneapolis, and let me tell you Doc, the volume is always DEAFENING! And not one kid I've ever met has thought of wearing ear protection. They may not sit and listen to the stereo at loud volumes like we used to, but the club and show scene is absolutely ridiculous. I'm betting they have their iPods cranked to the max as well. Sigh, kids these days...
Monthly record show at a local hotel today, so am leaving shortly to go treasure hunting. Will be mostly on the lookout for jazz... ;-)
Hook
PS- Good and bad days with my back. Was in a good groove this past summer with long daily bike rides helping a lot. Now that it's turned colder, and not exercising as regularly, am starting to pay the price. Just signed up for an age-appropriate Pilates class that starts in a week, so we'll see how that goes. May also invest in an exercise bike, since leaning forward in the riding position seems to take a lot of the stress off. But no big worries right now, and thanks a lot for asking Doc!
PPS - Did have a big scare a few weeks back. Had a nasty flare up requiring a steroid injection. Then, a couple of weeks later, there was a nationwide outbreak of spinal meningitis caused by contaminated samples which were all linked back to one, poorly-run compounding center out east. It took a few days for my clinic to figure out that I was not one of the people effected, but hundreds of others were, and something like 30 people died. Close call, and very scary!
Very scary indeed. I do a lot of steroid injections, backs, joints etc but have not heard of this scare. Thank god you weren't affected. Do you know which steroid was affected? I mainly use Kenalog/Triamcinolone.
An exercise bike sounds like a good idea for the winter months as you felt the benefit of riding in the summer
I guess kids don't change whatever era.
Like you I'm keen on jazz like my father but didn't get into it until my thirties.
Good luck at the record show.
ATB
Steve
Having just moved to a flat from a terraced house i'm more conscious about sound levels.
After reading your post last night a thought i'd let the wife control the music volume for once.Students next door out, neighbour up stairs at firework display,so volume was going to be no problem for a few hours.
Started the evening with a bit of Floyd,Rod,Elton and Bowie anything she wanted to listen to,the volume stayed about the same on all tracks between 8 and 9 on the XS depending on pressing (all on vinyl )
As it got to 10pm and neighbours due home soon i decided to put Kashmir on, her favorite Zep track the volume shot straight up to 10. Up next Nevermind and Smells like Teen Spirit her most played album,Straight to 11,
When i showed her your post this morning after a minute's pause she said gentle music can be listened to at low levels, loud music needs volume.
Sounds like you have a good 'un there Steve. Enjoy.
Hi Steve. Just downloaded the SPL app, tested it listening to the new Huey & the New Yorkers album on vinyl. Set the volume by ear first then checked it with the meter, it read between 75 /80 db which sounds very comfortable. Must say this has been a very interesting thread and thanks to Hook for the heads up on the meter app.
Regards Graham.
One for Julian H?
Julian,
Have you tried or can you try the App against your proper machine from work?
Would love to know how true the App is?
Stu.
A couple of months ago i tried the iphone app at work while using a bruel & kjaer sound analyser. I was playing pink noise at around 85 dB. From what i recall, the iphone was only about 4 or 5 dB out which i thought was fairly impressive, but as every 10dB increase could be regarded as a percieved doubling of sound , im not sure how usefull it is. But as a free app vs ~ £15,000 sound analyser, its certainly good value.
A couple of months ago i tried the iphone app at work while using a bruel & kjaer sound analyser. I was playing pink noise at around 85 dB. From what i recall, the iphone was only about 4 or 5 dB out which i thought was fairly impressive, but as every 10dB increase could be regarded as a percieved doubling of sound , im not sure how usefull it is. But as a free app vs ~ £15,000 sound analyser, its certainly good value.
The iPad app has a properties page where you can trim +/- until it matches what you see on a calibrated meter. My inexpensive Radio Shack SPL meter claimed to be "set at the factory", but no clue how accurately. I used a pink noise track from the Hi-Fi News test record to compare the readouts from both. Given they looked pretty much the same, I left the app alone.
Am curious about it now, so tomorrow I'll check to see if there is a local calibration service.
Hook
Very scary indeed. I do a lot of steroid injections, backs, joints etc but have not heard of this scare. Thank god you weren't affected. Do you know which steroid was affected? I mainly use Kenalog/Triamcinolone.
An exercise bike sounds like a good idea for the winter months as you felt the benefit of riding in the summer
I guess kids don't change whatever era.
Like you I'm keen on jazz like my father but didn't get into it until my thirties.
Good luck at the record show.
ATB
Steve
I read that they found fungal meningitis in methylprednisolone acetate and betamethasone, as well as in some cardiological drug used in open heart surgery. Reporters went to this place, and it turned out to be situated right next to a large dump. Turned out that the same guy who owned the medical business also owned the dump! And he didn't even have the proper licenses to be selling the drugs nationwide. It's been a huge mess, and I am sure it will be many years and hundreds and hundreds of law suits before it is all over.
Scored huge at the record show, including an autographed copy of "Mingus Revisited" (Limelight LS-86015). Didn't discover the "Good luck, Charles Mingus" signature until a few moments ago when I opened the gatefold. I'm no expert, but it sure looks similar to the images of his signature I see online. That one cost me $10 USD. Bought about 20 records in total, all jazz, all early pressings. So far, they all look really good... now off to the Nitty Gritty!
ATB.
Hook
Well done Hook. I hope they all clean up well.
Steve
Very scary indeed. I do a lot of steroid injections, backs, joints etc but have not heard of this scare. Thank god you weren't affected. Do you know which steroid was affected? I mainly use Kenalog/Triamcinolone.
An exercise bike sounds like a good idea for the winter months as you felt the benefit of riding in the summer
I guess kids don't change whatever era.
Like you I'm keen on jazz like my father but didn't get into it until my thirties.
Good luck at the record show.
ATB
Steve
Steve,
Do you do Spinal or Vertebrae Cortisone injections ?
Or is it still left up to consultant anesthetist's with a interest in pain management ?
Stu.
Very scary indeed. I do a lot of steroid injections, backs, joints etc but have not heard of this scare. Thank god you weren't affected. Do you know which steroid was affected? I mainly use Kenalog/Triamcinolone.
An exercise bike sounds like a good idea for the winter months as you felt the benefit of riding in the summer
I guess kids don't change whatever era.
Like you I'm keen on jazz like my father but didn't get into it until my thirties.
Good luck at the record show.
ATB
Steve
Steve,
Do you do Spinal or Vertebrae Cortisone injections ?
Or is it still left up to consultant anesthetist's with a interest in pain management ?
Stu.
Stu,
I do nerve root blocks and facet joint injections mainly.
Need some help?
Steve
I have been thinking of checking with an EENT, and may just do that before my insurance terminates. I have an otoscope and had a friend look in (a pharmacist, so he has some medical/anatomical knowledge) and he said it looked like the pictures of "normal" from our EENT slides. But I think your point is well taken Steve, and I should get off my butt and get it checked out.
Sorry about your tinnitus. My hearing "problem" seems to be not quite as bad as it was. I see my doctor again tomorrow and he will probably give me a referral to an ENT and I think I will finally be getting a hearing test. Not looking forward to it but I need to know what's going on with my hearing.
I have been thinking of checking with an EENT, and may just do that before my insurance terminates. I have an otoscope and had a friend look in (a pharmacist, so he has some medical/anatomical knowledge) and he said it looked like the pictures of "normal" from our EENT slides. But I think your point is well taken Steve, and I should get off my butt and get it checked out.
Sorry about your tinnitus. My hearing "problem" seems to be not quite as bad as it was. I see my doctor again tomorrow and he will probably give me a referral to an ENT and I think I will finally be getting a hearing test. Not looking forward to it but I need to know what's going on with my hearing.
Hi Dave & DrMark -
Enjoying music is so important to all of us. I hope you guys both get the hearing care you need, and pronto! Will keep you both in my thoughts, and hope for the best possible outcomes. Please let us know how you progress.
Hi Stu -
Sounds like you and I may be going through something similar? Had my first meeting with a pain specialist last week. He described the many different options his clinic can offer, and suggested a couple of next steps for me to think about. There's a lot of good info on his web site - painphysicians dot com. Also, if you want to trade ideas on this topic, my email is in my profile. I am impressed by the number of new treatments that have come to market in the last five years, since I first started having to think about this crap. Anyway, hope you doing ok man.
ATB.
Hook
snip > Have read that 82dB is a safety threshold for long-term listening. <
It's not a threshold, but an average value to aim for to prevent hearing loss in the long term.
Assuming an equal exposure duration of 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, over 40 years, then :
- 90 dBA (average exposure) will result in 23 and 32 % of people developing a compensable hearing loss (Stage 4). Note that there are three earlier stages that, while not compensated, do present handicaps.
- 85 dBA (average exposure) : 8 to 14 % of stage 4 hearing loss.
- 80 dBA (average exposure) : 1 to 5 % stage 4 hearing loss
- 75 dBA (average exposure) : about 0 %
snip > Why is it that things that are so much fun are also so bad for us? <
Risk of damage from noise exposure depends - like alcohol - on the dose and the pattern of exposure. Noise dose is the product of two factors, the intensity and the duration of exposure. If you listen for shorter periods, you can listen louder.
Noise intensity doubles every 3dB), so, using an 85 dBA * 8 h dose as the baseline :
85 dBA : 8 h
88 dBA : 4 h
91 dBA : 2 h
94 dBA : 1 h
97 dBA : 30 m
100 dBA : 15 min
103 dBA : 7,5 min
etc.
The above values are for exposures repeated 5 days a week, every week and assume no other exposures. So if you are occupationally exposed to noise, that should be added to the equation.
Écoutez bien, écoutez longtemps !
Jan
Jan,
Very informative. After measuring the average volume I listen to my music at (circa 80db) I feel reassured by your figures above. I have to say I have now started to have some listening sessions at lower 70-75db volumes. With the system I have this is still very enjoyable.
ATB
Steve
Jan,
Very informative. After measuring the average volume I listen to my music at (circa 80db) I feel reassured by your figures above. I have to say I have now started to have some listening sessions at lower 70-75db volumes. With the system I have this is still very enjoyable.
ATB
Steve
Steve
Make sure you are measuring in dbA and not the other scales ( ie dbB or dbC) which are different scales.
Also need to check how close you measure to the sound source
Make sure you are measuring in dbA and not the other scales ( ie dbB or dbC) which are different scales.
Correct and thanks for pointing this out (the A frequency weighting scale gives the best representation of the ear's weighting scale).
Also need to check how close you measure to the sound source
Ideally, measurements should be made at ear position, but it's a little hard to read the meter... Hold the meter just in front of you when in your listening seat.
Jan & Cbr,
Yes, dbA and as close to ear level as I could. In addition, as I work, in a very quiet environment, and have a busy schedule I probably only listen on average about 2hours per day per week. I don't think this classifies as over exposure.
Thanks
Steve
Steve,
Two hours per day at 80 dBA average ? You're comfortably in the safe zone !
Jan
(comfortably in the numb zone)