Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) occurs when tiny sensory hair cells in our inner ears are damaged by noises that are too loud and that last for too long.

The max volume of music in headphones is about 105 decibels. That’s 100 times louder than the noise level (85 decibels) at which workers are required to start using hearing protection.  Listening to very loud music in headphones for even a few minutes puts you at an increased risk for hearing loss.