Headphones and Hearing Loss: What You Should Know

Data from studies evaluated by the World Health Organization (WHO) show that 50% of adolescents or young adults aged 12 to 35 are exposed to unsafe sound levels. This may be attributed to the use of personal audio devices, among other causes. It is acceptable to presume that the same applies to adults who are using these devices.

The Hearing Health Foundation also reported that 20% of children suffer from permanent hearing loss resulting from loud noise exposure. If you and other family members have been consistently using headphones, it doesn’t hurt to be aware of the hearing risks associated with using these devices.

When Does It Become Damaging?

Any noise that is above 85 decibels can already be considered harmful. This level is equivalent to a noisy restaurant, heavy traffic or a train passing by. If you are listening to music or watching your favorite show using your headphones at a level of 94 or 95, and this goes on for long periods, this may begin to damage your hearing, and in worse cases, result in hearing loss.

Tips to Help Avoid Ear Damage When Using Headphones:

Here are some tips to avoid ear damage while enjoying your favorite music, movie or TV show:

1. Avoid using headphones in a noisy environment, as it forces you to increase their volume.
2. Buy headphones that can physically mask external noise. Also, there are noise-canceling headphones that can limit outside sounds, sealing your ears from them.
3. Use headphones, not earbuds or earphones, to lessen the distance between your device and your eardrums.
4. Follow the 60/60 rule. This means restraining the volume within 60% and listening for 60 minutes or less at a time.
5. Take a break. We get that. You are so focused on what you are watching or reading (when headphones are used while studying) that it may disrupt the whole experience. Still, it won’t hurt you that much to take the long-needed break. You can relax your ears while preventing potential damage to your hearing.