Earbuds have become a staple item that many use daily. Whether it’s to listen to music, podcasts, or talk on the phone; earbuds are a common way people engage in these activities. But earbud use is also a primary way that people are exposed to dangerous levels of noise that can cause hearing loss. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people (ages 12-35) worldwide are at risk of developing noise induced hearing loss as a result of noise exposure from personal audio devices. It is important to be aware of these risks and practice safety precautions that can prevent noise induced hearing loss.
Noise Induced Hearing Loss
One time or consistent exposure to loud noise can cause noise induced hearing loss. The Hearing Health Foundation, 20% of children have permanent hearing loss largely caused by exposure to loud noise. Loud noise can damage hair cells in the inner ear which play an important role in how we hear. These sensory cells (there are thousands in each ear) convert soundwaves into electrical signals that the auditory nerve sends to the brain. The brain is then able to further process these signals and assign meaning to them which is how we are able to understand what we hear.
Loud noise can desensitize the hair cells in the inner ear, making them weaker and more vulnerable to dying. This reduces their capacity to carry out their essential function which results in the brain receiving less auditory input, causing hearing loss. Unlike other types of cells we have, hair cells in the inner ear do not regenerate. This means that any damage they experience is permanent. Earbuds are an incredibly common way people are exposed to loud noise.
Earbud Use
Sound is measured in decibels (dB) and according to experts, people can be exposed to 85dB of sound for 8 hours a day without impacting their hearing. This is the equivalent of environmental noise like city traffic, a hair dryer, and a busy restaurant at peak hours. Exceeding the threshold for safe listening requires drastically reducing your exposure time.
Earbuds, depending on the device they are connected to, can easily emit noise that surpasses 85dB. In fact there are electronic devices that, on their highest volume settings, can reach up to 100dB. An example of this is the iPhone which on its loudest setting, is around 102dB! At this specific level, safe exposure time is only 10 minutes. Exceeding this can irreparably damage hearing health.
Tips to Protect Hearing Health
Noise induced hearing loss is completely preventable. Practicing safety measures can prevent you from harming your hearing, protecting your hearing health. A few tips to practice include:
- Invest in noise cancellation headphones: these are specific types of headphones that utilize noise canceling technology to reduce background noise as much as possible. This prevents the wearer from increasing the volume when navigating louder environments, allowing people to safely listen to audio.
- Take listening breaks: excessively listening to audio can impact hearing as well as cause listening fatigue. This happens because the ears and brain are constantly working to hear and process sound. Taking listening breaks throughout the day is a great way to give your auditory system a break.
Reduce exposure to loud noise: there are several additional ways you can reduce your exposure to loud noise. This includes:- wear hearing protection: accessories like earplugs, earmuffs, and headphones offer a protective barrier for the ears. This reduces the amount (and impact) of loud noise you absorb.
- avoid loud settings: you can do this by avoiding noisier settings during peak hours and choosing spaces that are quieter.
- maintain low volume settings: keep low volume settings on your electronic devices (TV, speaker, phone etc.). Use the 60%/60-minute rule which involves listening to audio no more than 60% of the maximum volume
- Have hearing tested regularly: test your hearing annually to keep track of your hearing health. This helps you know what your hearing needs are and identifies any changes you may experience.
These safety measures can mitigate the potential harm of loud noise exposure while allowing you to still enjoy your earbud use. Contact us to learn more about protecting your hearing health as well as to schedule an appointment for a hearing test.