People with headphones or earbuds plugged into their ears are a common sight, as these small devices have become essential companions in our daily lives. But are they safe? Have you ever considered the impact they might be having on your ears?
It is a fact that daily headphone use can pose risks to your hearing, including hearing loss. Children and teenagers are particularly at greater risk, as they often listen to music for several hours each day.
The World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source estimates that around 50 percent of people ages 12 to 35 are at risk of hearing loss due to prolonged and excessive exposure to loud sounds, such as music heard through personal audio devices.
Although, the use of earphones or earbuds can help with concentration or achieving a sense of calm. However, wearing them in the ears for several hours at a stretch can prove harmful. This is especially true when these devices do not fit properly in the ear canal, as they may cause irritation, abrasions, or even minor wounds.
Moreover, continuous use may lead to a buildup of earwax. Our ears typically have a natural ability to clean themselves. When we speak or chew, the wax inside the ear gradually moves outward on its own. However, frequent use of earphones pushes the wax further inward, creating friction along the canal’s surface, which increases the risk of dryness, itching, and infection.
Doctors say this can also result in temporary hearing loss. Furthermore, when the brain is constantly forced to suppress external sounds through earphones, its harmony with natural sounds is disrupted.
Over time, the brain becomes more sensitive to minor noises in the real world, and individuals may begin to feel irritated even by ordinary environmental sounds. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a balance in earphone usage and not neglect auditory health.
But that doesn’t mean we should just get rid of them, here are ways to keep your ears safe and sound:
- The 60/60 rule: Listen at no more than 60 percent volume for a maximum of 60 minutes at a time.
- Take a break of 5–10 minutes every 30–60 minutes to allow your ears to “breathe.”
- Keep earphones clean and avoid inserting them too deeply into the ear canal.
- Practice spending time without sound during work or study hours.
- Keep the volume as low as possible.
- Closely monitor children and adolescents, as their ears are more sensitive.
