In this fast-paced world, most of us have become accustomed to plugging in our headphones to tune out the surrounding noise. Headphones have been widespread among different age groups. Toddlers, to older adults, want to enjoy their playlists anywhere through their favorite headset. This article emphasizes the connection between the use of earphones and hearing damage.
As per the report of 2022 WHO (World Health Organization), about 1 billion teenagers and young adults are facing this issue due to the excessive use of earbuds at a high volume.
How Do Headphones Damage Ears or Hearing?
As the headphones supply the sounds to the inner ear canals, a prolonged high volume can harm sensitive parts of our inner ears. Headphones damage ears, mostly it’s the cochlea, which transmits the sound to the brain. Headphones and hearing loss are related due to the following factors:
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Volume level
Most of the headphones can produce sound at 120 decibels, which is equivalent to the sound of a rock concert. This high-volume car affects your hearing in just about 1 hour 15 minutes. So, people should not exceed 60% of the maximum volume of their headsets while enjoying songs.
Headphones damage ears, as high volume also causes damage to the hair cells of the ears. The vibration of sound helps to move the hair cells to send an electrical impulse to the brain. A loud sound damages the hair cells, so the brain can not get the impulses thus it may hear sounds distorted.
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Duration of listening
Listening to sounds through your favorite headphones for a long time may lead to hearing loss. Listening to 85 dBA for eight hours is safe, but at a loud volume, you should listen only for 5 minutes a day to avoid such hearing issues.
Symptoms of Hearing Loss from Using Earphones
Headsets damage your ears gradually at a slow pace without any warning signs.
You should contact good audiologists if you are facing the following symptoms.
- Hearing hissing, ringing, roaring, and buzzing sounds in the ears.
- Facing difficulties in understanding the sound of a voice in noisy places.
- Listening to the sounds of TV and sound systems at a higher volume than before.
- Muffled hearing
You should contact an audiologist and have several necessary hearing tests to identify your hearing issue at the initial stage.
Tips to prevent hearing loss from headphones
Headphones damage ears, but a little awareness and effort can be effective in preventing hearing difficulties from your headset. There are several effective ways to keep your hearing intact while using your headset.
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Turn down the volume
Duration of hearing and volume level are the crucial factors for your hearing loss, so you need to listen to sounds at 50% to 60% of your maximum volume. You can follow the practice to hear no more than 60% of the maximum volume for not more than 60 minutes.
If you prefer to hear loud sounds, then it will be best to listen to music for about 80% for about 90 minutes, not more than that.
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Use perfectly fitted earbuds
Loosely fitted earbuds may let the surrounding sounds enter which makes it difficult to hear music or a podcast. You may use noise-canceling earbuds that form a tight seal inside the ear and don’t allow the surrounding noise. This kind of hearing device allows you to hear sounds at a low volume.
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Sound-limiting Technology
Some headsets come with a sound- sound-limiting feature that keeps the sound level below the danger level. There are some apps that are helpful to keep the noise level at a safe level when listening to music.
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Hear from a distance
It is a healthy habit to listen to sound from a distance from the source of the sound. If you are at a concert, it is better to move away from the source, such as the amp.
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Avoid listening to non-stop sound
You need to avoid non-stop headphone use at a high volume. A prolonged sound exposure is very harmful to your hearing capacity. Earphones damage ears due to your misuse of the hearing device. Taking a break after a few hours is necessary to keep your listening safe. Headphones damage ears if you use them consistently for a long period.
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Use Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones are better to use than in-ear headsets as they do not fit near the eardrum.
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Monitor the listening range
Some latest technology-based headsets include the feature that the device provides you with a warning when or exceeds stable ranges.
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Have regular check-ups
A regular check-up is essential to point out early symptoms of hearing issues.
Aural Care is one of the most reliable hearing aid clinics in Kolkata, having 15 years of experience, and offers you a chance to get a true companion in your journey of hearing loss. We provide several vestibular function tests and audiological tests to identify your hearing issue. Our experts suggest the best way to overcome your hearing difficulties. They provide you with complete care, from giving you a high-quality hearing aid to maintenance tips to caring for your pairs.
You can contact us to get the best care for your ears.
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Conclusion
Headphones have become an integral part of our entertainment and a true companion in our leisure time. We have to be conscious of the potential risk factors for our hearing health. Listening to high volume for a long time is harmful to our ears. The latest earbuds with new features are helpful in taking care of your ears. Some good habits need to be built to keep your ears healthy for a long time.
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