Listening to any sound at too high a volume level can cause hearing loss, and headphones and earbuds are no exception. That said, listening to audio with headphones is an incredibly common way for people to engage with their favorite entertainment and media (music, podcasts, audiobooks, etc.); you’re unlikely to go without headphones or earbuds entirely. So let’s discuss how to use them safely.
Keep an Eye on Volume Levels
Many people like listening to music at high volume for an immersive experience, but this can reach hazardous levels very quickly. Loud noises produce powerful sound waves that damage the cells in our ears. Any sound over 85 decibels has the capability to cause damage, and your headphones can reach 110 decibels if turned up to their maximum volume.
We strongly recommend keeping your volume level at no more than two-thirds of its maximum when listening to audio through headphones. While this exact number may vary depending on your phone or entertainment device’s settings or your headphone specs, it’s a good place to start.
Take Breaks
Hearing damage isn’t just a function of the sound’s volume level; it also involves how long you’re exposed to the sound. The longer you’re exposed to the sound, the worse the hearing damage. As mentioned above, sounds above 85 decibels can cause hearing damage, and it takes eight continuous hours of exposure at that level for the damage to occur. At 110 decibels, damage can occur in ten minutes.
The way to protect yourself from this cumulative effect is to ensure you’re taking plenty of breaks to give your ears a chance to recuperate.
Use Noise-Canceling Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones are becoming more popular for a variety of reasons. We particularly like them as a headphone option because they decrease the tendency to turn the volume up. Many people will blast their volume in order to drown out the world around them, but with noise-canceling headphones, you don’t need to blast to get the distraction-free listening you’re after.
Clean Them Regularly
Headphones, especially in-ear earbuds, can collect dirt, germs and grime with heavy usage, and earbuds have a tendency to collect earwax on them. All this buildup can increase your chances of an ear infection, which can in turn affect your hearing. Keep your headphones clean to prevent infection.
Signs of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss, especially noise-induced hearing loss, comes on gradually, so if you’ve noticed signs of hearing loss, it’s time to take action. Signs include:
- Muffled hearing
- Mishearing words or missing speech entirely
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds or voices
- Trouble hearing or understanding speech
- Ears ringing
- Sound sensitivity
If you’ve noticed any of these, especially if you use headphones regularly, contact us at PDX ENT. We can conduct a full hearing screening and give you some pointers on how to use your headphones without damaging your residual hearing. Call us today to learn more.
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