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Earbuds are now a part of our daily lives. We use them for everything from work calls to gym sessions. They are convenient for people of all ages, but using them for too long or at too loud a volume can harm your health. Often, you won’t realize there is a problem until the damage becomes permanent.
Dr Mayur Ingale, head of ENT at DPU Super Specialty Hospital, warned that constant exposure to loud noises causes “wear and tear” on the inner ear. “The impact is not always immediate,” says Dr. Ingle. “Small daily decisions such as listening at high volume or wearing earbuds for hours without stopping can develop over months or years and result in chronic ear problems.”
effects on hearing health
The biggest danger associated with earbuds is noise-induced hearing loss. As we reach 85 decibels, the hair cells inside the cochlea begin to get damaged. Because they sit deeper in the ear canal, earbuds play sound directly into your ears at greater volume.
The problems associated with listening to loud music or talking for long periods of time vary.
- Tinnitus: Persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears.
- Muted hearing: Difficulty hearing conversations in noisy rooms.
- Permanent loss: Partial or complete hearing loss over many years.
Audiologists recommend protecting against these long-term effects by keeping volume at moderate levels and limiting listening duration.
Ear hygiene and risk of infection
Earbuds do more than just play music; They trap heat and moisture in your ears. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive. This can lead to “swimmer’s ear” or other painful infections.
Unclean earbuds can introduce bacteria and viruses as well as more dirt into the ear canal. The risk is even greater when one end of the earbud is shared, leading to bacteria being swapped between users. Regular cleaning of earbuds and avoiding sharing them are also important factors that can protect the ear canal from infection.
physical discomfort and irritability
If your earbuds don’t fit properly, they can cause physical discomfort and even harm. Hard plastic tips or “poor-fitting” buds can cause pain, unpleasant pressure or even small scratches in the ear canal. If you have sensitive skin, consider switching to softer silicone tips or over-the-ear headphones.
Impact on psychological and physical well-being
The impact of earbuds goes beyond your ears. Constant sensory input can cause overstimulation, making it hard to concentrate at work or school. Using them late at night can also cause insomnia by keeping your brain overly active.
There are also physical security risks. When you wear earbuds while running or biking, you lose “situational awareness.” You can’t hear car horns or sirens, which can lead to dangerous accidents.
How to Use Earbuds Safely – The 60/60 Rule
- Keep your volume below 60% and limit your listening time to 60 minutes at a time.
- Keep your earbuds clean and don’t share them
- Choose earbuds that fit you well and allow air to circulate.
- Keep an eye on your surroundings, especially in public areas or while traveling.
(Nivedita is a freelance writer who writes on society, culture, travel, health and entertainment.)
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