Your health: When listening to music, what is too loud?

Deafening Decibels: What is too loud?

Headphones are almost a necessity now. But, they could be damaging your hearing, and soon, reports CBS — Augusta, Georgia.

Loud music is not a new thing, but this culture of using headphones all day, everyday is. Now doctors say this generation is in danger of losing their hearing a lot faster than we used to. “You're increasing your risk for long-term hearing damage,” said Ear, Nose and Throat Dr. James Kimbrough.

We're not talking about when you're 80 years old. Kimbrough says you could experience permanent hearing loss by half that age.

“Say they're in their twenties. By the time they're in their forties, they may have considerable hearing loss,” he warned.

According to OSHA standards, sound at 85 decibels or below is safe. Experts say most portable stereo music systems produce sound at 95 to 108 dB at level four, reaching higher than 115 dB by level eight.

Don't let arthritis slow you down

Arthritis is a painful problem that can interfere with your ability to do the things you enjoy. But you can take steps to protect your joints, reduce discomfort, and improve mobility, says Harvard Medical School.

• Keep moving. Avoid holding one position for too long. When working at a desk, for example, get up and stretch every 15 minutes.

• Put your strongest joints and muscles to work. To protect finger and wrist joints, push open heavy doors with the side of your arm or shoulder. To reduce hip or knee stress on stairs, let the strong leg lead going up and the weaker leg lead going down.

• Simplify and organize your routines so you minimize movements that are difficult or painful. Keep items you need for cooking, cleaning, or hobbies near where they are needed (even if that means having duplicates in two different places).

• Take advantage of labor-saving devices and adaptive aids. Long-handled grippers and rubber grips can be helpful.

• Ask for help when you need it.