Will My Brain Adjust To Loud Sounds?
Published: August 12, 2020 · Last reviewed on this site: 2026-10-30
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The question
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Our air conditioner is loud, and I'm forced to play movies and music at higher volumes than I normally would. I'm worried that my brain will grow accustomed to the louder sounds and my hearing won't be as sharp. Can my ears just make the right adjustment since I only raise the volume when there is already noise, and not when it is unnecessary?
Signed: TeenHealthFX
The answer
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You mention only having to make the sounds louder when there is already noise and not when it’s unnecessary. TeenHealthFX cannot predict whether you will have any lasting damage to your hearing or if it is possible for brain to adjust to loud noises. However, we can give you tips that might reduce your risk. Make sure you take 5-minute breaks for every 30 minutes of listening to music or a movie, do not stand right to next to the air conditioner or music/movies speaker for a long time. If you are still worried about your hearing, it would be a good idea to talk to a parent or trusted adult and get checked out by a doctor.
We hope this helps!