Truth About Earbuds and Hearing Damage

Regular use of earphones at loud volumes poses a serious risk to ears health, experts caution.

Experts caution that prolonged use of earbuds or earphones at high volumes can seriously damage hearing and increase the risk of permanent hearing loss ().

Regularly listening at high levels can damage the delicate structures in the ear, leading to irreversible hearing impairment. It’s crucial to monitor volume levels and take breaks to protect your hearing.

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This risk is particularly heightened among young people who frequently use these devices for extended periods.

Additionally, using noise-cancelling headphones at moderate volumes can help reduce the need to turn up the sound, further safeguarding your hearing health. Regular hearing check-ups are also recommended.

Excessive noise levels (130 decibels can lead to strong ear pain and high bass ones compound the damage) can cause damage to tiny hair cells in the inner ear. As these cells cannot regenerate, it can result in partial or complete deafness over time, especially if safe listening practices are not followed.

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Warning Against Prolonged Earphone Use

“Ear pain occurs when sound exceeds 130 decibels, and high bass earphones can cause damage. Use sparingly and avoid sharing earphones to prevent infection spread,” Dr Rakesh Verma, an ENT expert told IANS.

Earphone use can cause noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus, and hyperacusis, while poor hygiene and enclosed environments can lead to ear infections. Moderation, proper hygiene, and noise-canceling options are recommended.

Impact of Children's Earbud and Headphone Use on Hearing
Rising health concerns emerge as children, even as young as elementary age, are heavily using earbuds and headphones, posing risks.

“Prolonged use of earphones, especially at high volumes, can cause noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus, and hyperacusis. Poor hygiene practices and the enclosed environment can lead to ear infections like otitis externa or swimmer’s ear. To protect hearing, use in moderation, maintain proper hygiene, and consider noise-canceling options,” Dr. Vijay Verma, Consultant, Allergy & ENT Specialist at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS.

Low-volume use of earphones, maintaining proper hygiene, and considering noise-cancelling options to protect hearing, are the penultimate points.

Limit Earbud Use to Avoid Ear Infections
When people use earbuds for a long time, it can make them have really painful and serious infections in their ears.

To protect your hearing, use these devices in moderation and at a low volume, practice good hygiene, and consider noise-canceling options.

Reference:

CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram - (https://www.ckbirlagroup.com/ckbirlahospital.php)

Source-IANS