Researchers from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry have different, but generally complementary, theories to account for these population-level trends. Some interpret the observed decline in music engagement in terms of psychosocial maturation.⁠ ⁠ Adolescents use music as an identity marker and engage with it to navigate social circles. Adults have developed personalities and established social groups. As such, drivers to engage with new music are lessened.⁠ These same researchers point to age-related changes to hearing acuity – specifically a lowered tolerance for loud and high-frequency sound – as one cause for a reduced interest in new music for some people.⁠ ⁠ One explanation for the age-based reduction in music consumption posits that responsibility-laden adults may have less discretionary time to explore their musical interests than younger people.⁠ Some scholars question whether there is a straightforward link between the decline in the rate of new music c...