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Do Earpods Damage Your Hearing? What Experts Want You To Know About Prolonged Use
Do Earpods Damage Your Hearing? What Experts Want You To Know About Prolonged Use
You are walking through a busy street with traffic blaring around you, but inside your ears it is just your favourite song. Wireless earpods have become an integral part of everyday life for many people. They are used while commuting, working out, attending work calls, or relaxing at home. They are comfortable to wear, stylish, and provide an immersive listening experience. However, experts are increasingly raising concerns about whether the constant use of earpods may harm hearing, particularly among young people.
According to Dr Shrekha Padmakshan, Associate Consultant – ENT, Fortis Hospital Kalyan, Mumbai, the issue is not the technology itself but how it is used.
“Earpods sit directly inside the ear canal, unlike traditional headphones that rest outside the ear. This places the sound source extremely close to the eardrum, which can make sound feel more intense," explains Dr Padmakshan.
Because of this proximity and the snug seal earpods create, even a small increase in volume can significantly increase the pressure inside the inner ear. Since sound is measured on a logarithmic scale, even a slight increase in volume can have a large impact on the delicate structures responsible for hearing.
The inner ear contains specialised sensory cells called hair cells, which help convert sound vibrations into signals that the brain can interpret. “These hair cells are very sensitive and can become damaged after prolonged exposure to loud sounds," says Dr Padmakshan. Unlike many other cells in the body, hair cells do not regenerate. Once hearing loss occurs due to noise damage, it is usually permanent.
Global data highlights how serious this issue has become. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that nearly 1.1 billion young people worldwide are at risk of hearing damage due to unsafe listening habits. If current trends continue, a significant portion of the global population could experience some degree of hearing loss in the coming decades. This is why safe listening practices are being strongly emphasized by hearing health experts.
Volume is only one part of the problem, duration of listening also matters. Listening at high volume for several hours a day significantly increases the risk of hearing damage.
“A simple rule people can follow is the 60/60 rule, listen at no more than 60% of the maximum volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a stretch," advises Dr Padmakshan. Taking short breaks between listening sessions allows the ears to recover and reduces the risk of long-term damage.
Another common issue occurs when people increase the volume in noisy environments such as gyms, busy streets, or public transport. This phenomenon is known as the Lombard effect, where individuals instinctively raise their voice or listening volume to overcome background noise.
“Instead of turning up the volume, using noise-cancelling headphones or earpods can help reduce background noise and allow you to listen at safer levels," notes Dr Padmakshan.
Prolonged use of earpods can also cause other ear-related problems. Wearing them for long periods can create heat and moisture inside the ear canal, which may increase the risk of ear infections.
Additionally, frequent earpod use may push earwax deeper into the ear canal. “This can sometimes lead to earwax blockages, tinnitus or ringing in the ears, and a sensation of fullness in the ear," explains Dr Padmakshan.
There is no doubt that listening to music, audiobooks, podcasts, and radio shows has become an important part of modern daily life. However, moderation and mindful listening habits are essential.
“Limiting volume levels, taking regular listening breaks, and being aware of how long you use your earpods can go a long way in protecting your hearing," advises Dr Padmakshan.
Protecting your hearing today ensures that you can continue enjoying the sounds you love for many years to come.
Source: News18
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