Most people see music as a way to unwind after a stressful day or a way to brighten their mood, but can listening to too much music be detrimental to your health? Although it isn’t recognized as a formal disorder, excessive music listening can still develop into an addiction, with the potential for future health issues.
According to Healthline, replaying a favorite song can trigger the release of dopamine in the reward and cravings system, similar to how cocaine and other drugs work. This creates a positive feeling throughout the body.
However, this also signifies the potential for dependence. The body learns to depend on these bursts, leading to an addiction that could potentially alter the neural pathways of the brain.
Listening to too much music can result in mood swings. During states of extreme emotion, people tend to listen to music that matches and intensifies their mood. For example, listening to more intense songs with rawer sounds could amplify already dark feelings. Similarly, hearing upbeat and cheerful tunes could transform an optimistic mindset into a state of joy.
Playing music too often at harmful volumes can also put people at high risk for physical problems. Sounds are directed into the inner ear, where hair cells absorb sound waves and send signals to the brain. However, sounds that are too intense can kill hair cells, speeding up the music-induced hearing loss process.
This is especially impactful for those who wear headphones or earbuds regularly. The World Health Organization recommends young people using listening devices to set their volumes to 70 to 85 dB.
While music listening habits will rarely escalate so severely as to mimic addictions, it is also beneficial to take a break at times. Instead, opt to pass the time by taking a walk outdoors or calling a friend.
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