BY MEGHAN HAARMANN
Hearing Instrument Specialist
Sandia Hearing Aids-Los Alamos

You lace up your shoes, clip into the bike, and the instructor cranks the music. It feels energizing — but a new study published in the JAMA Otolaryngology suggests that the soundtrack to your workout may be doing lasting damage to your ears.

Researchers measured sound levels in group fitness classes — think cycling, aerobics, and high-intensity interval training — and found that music volumes routinely exceeded safe limits, with peak levels reaching 108 decibels (dB). To put that in perspective, 108 dB is roughly equivalent to a rock concert or a chainsaw running at close range. It’s the kind of noise exposure most people associate with industrial worksites, not a Tuesday morning spin class.

108 dB is a problem.Sound is measured on a logarithmic scale, meaning small increases in decibels represent dramatically larger jumps in energy. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that noise exposure stays at or below 85 dB for 8-hour work shifts. At 100 dB, the safe window is just 15 minutes. At 108 dB, you’re looking at under four minutes before cumulative damage can begin.

The damage happens in the cochlea — the spiral-shaped structure in your inner ear lined with thousands of tiny hair cells that convert sound vibrations into electrical signals your brain interprets as sound. Unlike most cells in the body, these hair cells do not regenerate. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most common — and entirely preventable — forms of hearing loss. It can occur suddenly from a single loud blast, or gradually over repeated exposures. Many people don’t notice it until significant damage has already occurred, because the hearing system compensates in early stages. Ringing or muffled hearing after a loud class is a warning sign, not something to shake off.

What Los Alamos Gym-Goers Can Do: The good news – you don’t have to skip the class. A few simple steps can dramatically reduce your risk.

·        Wear hearing protection. High-fidelity earplugs (sometimes called musician’s earplugs) reduce volume evenly without distorting sound quality. Many are discreet, comfortable, and cost under $20. They can bring a 108 dB room down to a safe range while still letting you hear the instructor and the beat.

·        Position yourself strategically. Sound intensity decreases with distance. Choosing a spot farther from the main speakers can meaningfully reduce your exposure.

·        Talk to your instructor or gym. Fitness industry guidelines recommend keeping class music at or below 80 dB. Gyms that are aware of the research are often willing to make adjustments.

·        Give your ears recovery time. If you’ve just attended a loud class, avoid other noisy environments for at least a few hours to let your auditory system recover.

If you’re a regular gym-goer in the Los Alamos area, we invite you to come visit us at Sandia Hearing. We offer free hearing evaluations and would love to talk with you about hearing loss prevention options that fit your lifestyle and needs — whether that’s the right hearing protection for your workouts, a baseline hearing test to track your health over time, or simply peace of mind. Your hearing matters, and we’re here to help you protect it. Your hearing is irreplaceable. A small investment in protection now can prevent a lifetime of asking people to repeat themselves.

Meghan Haarmann is a Hearing Instrument Specialist with Sandia Hearing Aids – Los Alamos. With a background in medical and animal medicine, Meghan brings a unique perspective to her role. She believes that listening and understanding the patient’s and their family’s struggles are key to success in the industry. Her approach is patient and understanding, coupled with her clinical knowledge and experience to provide the best care and support. Call (505) 602-2856. 118 Central Park Square, Los Alamos.