How Can I Tell How Loud Earphones Are?

Get the most out of your earphones.

Getting the volume of your earphones just right is key for any audiophile. Whether you're trying out a new product or want to get the most out of your music collection, understanding the volume of your earphones helps you have the best listening experience.

Instructions

1. Before putting on your earphones, adjust the volume on your computer or media device. Almost all electronics have a visual volume display indicating how loud or soft your music will play. This is a good way to approximate how loud your earphones will be before you even begin playing music.

2. A decibel is a unit of sound measurement that indicates the volume of a certain noise or environment. Check the product details on the website or packaging to see the decibel range of your earphones. This tells you the product's maximum volume capacity.

3. If you don't have access to the product information, compare your earphones' volume to standard decibel levels. For instance, the noise in a restaurant is approximately 70dB; if you can hear your music through your earphones in a crowded restaurant, the volume is greater than 70dB. A subway train is approximately 90dB, and a dance club can get as loud as 110dB.

Tips & Warnings

• Listening to music through your earphones at a volume louder than 90dB can cause hearing loss.

References

• Preventing Hearing Damage When Listening With Headphones