How long can you listen safely through headphones?
Headphones on the metro are a quiet enemy of hearing: to beat the noise, we crank the volume. Let's estimate your “sound dose” and safe time by the WHO reference. Hearing doesn't grow back — but the loss is almost always preventable.
At this volume (~85 dB) it's safe to listen about 2.5 h a day — and you're within that. Hearing doesn't grow back, so protect your reserve: the 60/60 rule (no louder than 60%, no longer than 60 minutes at a stretch) is a good habit.
Source: WHO safe listening — a weekly dose equivalent to 80 dB(A) over 40 hours; the 3-dB exchange rule (every +3 dB halves the safe time). Volume-to-level values are averaged for typical earphones. Ringing or reduced hearing — see an audiologist.
How to use the result
How it works
We compute your “sound dose” with the WHO rule: every +3 dB of volume halves the safe listening time.
How to read the result
Take breaks, use noise cancellation instead of raising volume and heed device warnings.
Limitations
Ringing, sudden hearing loss, pain or discharge need medical assessment; sudden hearing loss is urgent.
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