Over one billion young individuals aged between 12 and 34 globally may be at risk of experiencing hearing impairment, with one significant contributor being the habit of listening to music or other audio on personal devices at high volumes, too often, and for prolonged durations, according to research.
Alongside hearing impairment, frequent use of headphones or earphones can lead to additional ear-related issues, including tinnitus and ear infections, as highlighted in a review of 23 studies.
The positive aspect is that making simple modifications to your headphone or earbud usage can help mitigate these risks. Below are four potential dangers associated with using these devices, along with ways to avoid them.
1. Hearing Impairment
One of the primary concerns regarding the use of headphones or earbuds is the risk of harming your hearing.
“Extended exposure to high volumes can harm the delicate hair cells located in the inner ear,” states Ross Cushing, a clinical audiologist from Clarksburg, Maryland, and the CEO of Live Better Hearing + Balance, a family-run audiology clinic.
Within your inner ear resides the cochlea—a fragile, spiral-shaped structure that aids your brain in interpreting sound into recognizable information. Tiny hair cells inside it sense vibrations from sound waves and transform them into electrical signals, which enable hearing.[3] “Once those hair cells are damaged, they do not regenerate, which is why maintaining a safe volume is crucial,” Dr. Cushing emphasizes.
How to Reduce Your Risk
Using headphones or earbuds doesn’t automatically lead to hearing damage—it primarily depends on volume and length of use.
“You can prevent hearing loss by keeping the volume at a safe level,” Cushing advises. “I suggest my patients adhere to the 60/60 guideline: 60 percent of the maximum volume or lower for no longer than 60 minutes at a time, including brief breaks.” The Cleveland Clinic offers slightly more flexible guidelines: they recommend listening for a maximum of about 90 minutes at around 80 percent of the maximum volume but suggest that listening at 50 to 60 percent of maximum volume is generally safe throughout the day.
When it comes to earbuds specifically, there’s another straightforward trick you can try.
“A good general rule is to hold an earbud at arm’s length. If you can hear enough of the song to recognize it, that might indicate it’s too loud,” explains Anish V. Thakkar, the founder and director of audiology at the Los Angeles Center for Hearing & Balance.
You might also want to think about investing in new headphones or earbuds. High-quality options categorized as “studio” or “mixing” headphones are your best choice for preventing hearing damage, Cushing suggests, as they are usually tuned correctly without excessive bass. “Loud bass frequencies can often lead to higher overall volume levels,” he points out.
2. Tinnitus
Tinnitus, which refers to the sensation of sound in the absence of external noise (often described as a “ringing in the ears”), may also arise from headphone usage.
“Some instances of tinnitus are permanent, but it can also be temporary after exposure to excessively loud volumes,” Cushing notes. If you experience ringing in your ears after using headphones, it serves as a caution that the volume was too high, he adds. “Prolonged exposure can result in irreversible hearing loss,” he clarifies.
Tinnitus tends to become more prevalent with age, as it is linked to presbycusis, or age-related hearing impairment, Thakkar explains, emphasizing that increased rates are frequently observed in individuals between 40 and 80 years old.
How to Reduce Your Risk
Using earbuds may elevate your risk of earwax accumulation since they can push earwax further into the ear canal. “I would suggest opting for over-the-ear headphones instead,” says Cushing, as they can help prevent this problem since they don’t insert into your ear.
It’s also wise to clean your headphones with warm water and dish soap, along with rubbing alcohol, according to brands like Bose. Be sure to visit the manufacturer’s website for guidance on cleaning your specific headphones.
If you experience any discomfort or muted hearing, it’s advisable to consult an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat specialist, as this could indicate earwax buildup that can mimic hearing loss. Should you experience pain or itching in your ears, it is crucial to stop using all headphones and earbuds until you can have a professional evaluate your ears for a possible ear infection.
If you decide to use earbuds, Cushing suggests cleaning them with an alcohol wipe daily or at least weekly to minimize the risk of infections. “And avoid using Q-tips for [earwax removal] — they usually exacerbate earwax buildup,” he advises.
4. Dizziness and Vertigo
While not as prevalent as the aforementioned risks, earbuds and headphones could potentially contribute to vertigo, or a feeling of imbalance or dizziness.
A recent case report highlighted a link between benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the most common type of vertigo, and the use of earbuds. Specifically, one patient’s episodes of dizziness, tinnitus, and tingling in the ear completely ceased after he stopped using earbuds and switched to bone-conduction headphones. These headphones transmit sound through your skull rather than your ear canal.
“It’s possible that loud noises can induce dizziness and vertigo because the sound pressure may impact the area of the inner ear responsible for your sense of balance,” Cushing explains.
How to Reduce Your Risk
If you are facing episodes of vertigo, consider taking a break from using earbuds or headphones to see if that alleviates your symptoms.
Regardless of which symptoms you may be having, Cushing advises that all users of headphones and earbuds should have their hearing assessed routinely to identify issues before they worsen or become more serious.
The Summary
Using headphones and earbuds is generally safe, but improper use or lack of cleaning can lead to potential health concerns, such as tinnitus, vertigo, and even hearing impairment.
Some audiologists suggest following the “60/60 rule” to safeguard your hearing: Keep the volume of your headphones or earbuds at a maximum of 60 percent for no longer than 60 minutes at a time, including brief breaks.
Particularly, earbuds can trap moisture and bacteria, creating an ideal environment for germs. Failing to clean them regularly can lead to earwax accumulation and elevate your risk of infection.
If you are uncertain, schedule an appointment with an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat specialist for a hearing assessment and comprehensive evaluation.