Audiologist Shares 60/60 Rule to Prevent Hearing Loss
Local expert offers safety guidelines for Monroe residents to protect their hearing during headphone use.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Appliances
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Do you limit your daily headphone volume and listening time to prevent long-term hearing damage?
Audiologist Deborah Cowan is advising Monroe residents to adopt the 60/60 rule to mitigate the risks of long-term hearing damage from headphones. The guidance aims to prevent conditions like tinnitus and permanent loss caused by excessive sound pressure.
Why it matters
Using headphones at high volumes forces hair cells within the ear to bend and fire excessively, which causes permanent damage over time. Because small headphones are placed directly in the ear canal, they significantly increase sound pressure levels at the eardrum.
The Hearing Health Foundation suggests limiting volume to 60% of maximum and usage to 60 minutes. While 90 decibels is considered safe for four hours, 150 decibels can cause instant eardrum damage.
The players
Deborah Cowan
Deborah Cowan is an audiologist based at the Acadian Hearing and Balance Center who specializes in hearing health and prevention.
Hearing Health Foundation
The Hearing Health Foundation is a national organization dedicated to funding hearing research and promoting public awareness about hearing protection.
The details
The 60/60 rule serves as a simple guideline to help listeners monitor sound exposure. A practical rule of thumb is that if a person standing shoulder to shoulder with you can hear your music, the volume is likely too high for safe listening.
Timeline
October 20, 2026: Audiologist shares safe volume recommendations for young people.
Culture Shift
The rise of constant personal audio consumption requires a shift away from legacy habits of high-volume listening. This adjustment aligns with broader societal trends toward preventative health and long-term wellness management.
Monroe residents should monitor their headphone volume to avoid symptoms like tinnitus or muffled hearing. Adopting the 60/60 rule can help prevent permanent sensitivity loss during daily commutes or while using devices at home.
The takeaway
Protecting your hearing starts with being mindful of the volume levels of your personal devices. Implementing the 60/60 rule today ensures your long-term ability to enjoy music without sacrificing your health.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest Appliances and safety standards for personal electronics.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Knoe.
Live Poll
Do you limit your daily headphone volume and listening time to prevent long-term hearing damage?
