What is the 60-60 rule in audiology?

The “60-60 rule” is not an official medical rule or standard. It is a general guideline sometimes used to help people think about safer listening habits. The concept is meant to discourage listening to sound at excessive volumes for long periods of time.

Sound is measured in decibels (dB), and prolonged exposure to sound levels above 80 dB can cause permanent hearing damage. Many personal audio devices are capable of producing sound levels well above 100 dB at maximum volume, which is comparable to the sound of a chainsaw or motorcycle.

The limitation of the 60-60 guideline is that it relies on percentages rather than measurable sound levels. The first “60” refers to listening at no more than 60 percent of maximum volume, but most people do not know what the true maximum output of a device is, nor where 60 percent actually falls. As a result, 60 percent volume could still be unsafe depending on the device and environment.

The second “60” refers to limiting listening time to 60 minutes at that volume. However, without knowing the actual loudness in decibels, it is impossible to determine whether 60 minutes is safe or excessive.

A more reliable approach is to measure sound levels directly using a sound level app on a smartphone. This allows the listener to know the actual decibel level regardless of volume settings. Measured sound levels can then be compared to established occupational health standards, which identify 80 dB for 8 hours as a generally safe exposure limit. For every 5 dB increase above 80 dB, the recommended safe exposure time is reduced by half. For example, 85 dB is considered safe for up to 4 hours, 90 dB for up to 2 hours, and so on.

Using measurable sound levels provides clearer guidance because it is based on established standards and allows individuals to make informed decisions about exposure time.

During loud events, if you need to raise your voice to speak to someone within three feet, the sound level is likely too loud.

After noise exposure, symptoms such as a feeling of fullness in the ears or a high-pitched ringing sound may indicate temporary or permanent inner ear damage.