I think that many times there is the urge to play your favorite music at higher volume than normal. It seems that when you hear a song that really hits you, you want "more" of it, so you make it louder. I think that this is a fairly widespread and predictable behavior. As the volume levels increase, the potential for hearing damage, in shorter exposure times, increases. At very high volumes, only a short time of exposure can cause damage. But long term exposure of even 85db can also cause damage. I don't think that a couple of loud songs is going to deafen anybody. But people who continuously pummel their eardrums are playing with fire.
Listening Levels
When you are listening to your favorite music does it effect the volume level? Are you concerned about the volume level on your hearing? Please speak up!