Headphones are a great way to listen to music or catch up on your favorite podcast, whether you’re doing chores around the house or going for a jog at Morro Bay State Park. However, if you use headphones, it’s important to know how to do so safely to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
Exposure to loud noise is one of the leading causes of hearing loss, along with aging. Exposure to sound louder than 85 decibels (dB) can damage the hair cells of the inner ear and lead to issues like hearing loss and tinnitus. The louder the sound, the less time it takes for this damage to occur. However, the duration of the exposure also plays a role in developing hearing loss as well.
Listening to Headphones Can Increase Hearing Loss Risk
Research examining the relationship between hearing loss and headphones has found that headphone usage, especially heavier usage, can increase the risk.
A study published in 2022 examining headphone usage found that subclinical hearing loss was found in 83.4% of headphone users. Additionally, participants who used their headphones for multiple reasons, including music, gaming and leisure, accounted for a higher proportion of subclinical hearing loss.
Keeping Your Hearing Safe While Using Headphones
The good news is you can still listen to your headphones while protecting your hearing. You just need to keep a few things in mind.
- Type of headphones. The style of headphones you choose can absolutely play a part in protecting your hearing. In general, over-the-ear headphones are better than on-ear headphones and earbuds. Over-the-ear headphones give more space for sound to reverberate, and they tend to do a better job of blocking out ambient sound, so you don’t feel the need to turn the volume up as loud. Quality is also important, and investing in a really well-made pair of headphones will likely be more beneficial to your hearing health.
- Mind the volume level. This can seem obvious, but it’s easy to get lost in listening to the music and not be aware of the volume. A good rule of thumb is never to exceed 60% of your headphone’s maximum volume level. You can also track decibel levels on your smartphone in various health apps to ensure that you aren’t listening too loudly.
- Take breaks. Remember, it’s not just how loud the noise is, but exposure time as well. Take breaks from listening to your headphones to give your ears a chance to rest. This is especially important if you’re listening for longer than one hour at a time.
To learn more about how to protect your hearing or to schedule a hearing test, call M.K. Larson Audiology today.
