There’s much to appreciate about headphones. To begin with, nothing surpasses their ability to drown out the noise of a bustling office or a packed train. However, the ideal pair of headphones can offer much more, drawing you into an engaging auditory experience where the sound seems to envelop you from all directions.
Is it possible to have an excessive affection for your headphones? We’re not here to provide an answer to that, but we aim to clarify some more prevalent inquiries regarding headphone safety. If you’ve ever questioned what volume level is considered ‘too loud’ or whether you should restrict your listening duration each day, you’ve arrived at the right spot. How to correctly wear your headband headphones
Are Bluetooth headphones safe?
Bluetooth headphones are generally regarded as safe for everyday use, and no research so far has associated Bluetooth technology with health concerns.
Let’s delve into that a bit further.
Wireless Bluetooth devices emit a form of electromagnetic radiation (EMF) called radio-frequency radiation (RF). This is the same type emitted by smartphones, televisions, laptops, and various other everyday electronic gadgets.
There are two categories of RF radiation: ionising and non-ionising. Bluetooth radiation falls into the non-ionising category. The ionising type — like that found in X-rays, for instance — can present certain health risks with frequent or extended exposure. However, non-ionising radiation is typically deemed harmless to humans.
How long is it safe to wear headphones? Listening to loud sounds for a long time can hurt your hearing. But what is considered too loud? It depends on how loud the sound is and how long and often you are exposed to it.
For headphones, the sound level usually ranges from 60 decibels (dB) to about 110 dB. Keep in mind that the volume on your phone or device doesn’t exactly match these decibels, but if you set it to 50–60% of the maximum volume, you are likely at about 80–85 dB.
The World Health Organization says you can listen to sounds at 100 dB for only 15 minutes a day. This includes all sounds, not just music. So, if you’re waiting for a loud train (around 100 dB), you should reduce your headphone time, especially if you listen at high volumes. Best Tv Headphones for Senior in USA
To listen longer, you can take short breaks and use earplugs to lower the noise in loud places like concerts and sports events. best headphones
How loud should headphones be?
This depends on how loud the sound is, how long you listen, and the type of sound. Some volumes are safe for listening for up to an hour or more, while others can hurt your hearing in just a few minutes.
The CDC says that sounds at 80–85 dBs (about 50–60% of your device’s volume) can damage your hearing after two hours. The time you can listen safely decreases with louder sounds. For example, at 95 dBs, you could be at risk of hearing damage after 50 minutes, and at 100 dBs (close to maximum volume), it can take just 15 minutes to cause possible hearing loss.
Most headphones can go above 100 dBs, so be careful and try not to turn the volume up too high. If you really want to enjoy a particular song, that’s fine, but balance it by listening at lower volumes or for shorter times.
How should headphones fit?
The type of headphones you choose can affect how loud the sound is.
A good fit helps block out extra noise, so you can hear music clearly at lower volumes. This is important if you often listen to headphones in noisy places, like on your way to work. A tight fit doesn’t mean uncomfortable, though. That’s why Sonos Ace headphones have soft ear cushions and an adjustable headband.
Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation, like Sonos Ace, also block outside sounds, making it easier to listen at lower volumes without missing anything.
Can headphones leave a dent on your head?
People in the online-gaming community talk about “headphone dent,” which means a mark left on your head after wearing headphones for a long time. The good news is that it’s very unlikely wearing headphones will actually dent your skull.
If you notice a dent, it’s probably just a mark on your hair or skin from wearing them too long. This can happen with any headgear, like hats or headbands, and usually goes away in a few minutes or hours. If you feel pain, it might be a sign to adjust your headphones or add extra padding by wearing a hat.
Can headphones cause hair loss?
This idea is similar to the old belief that wearing hats can cause hair loss, but there’s no real evidence to support this.
Is it illegal to drive with headphones?
Whether you can drive while wearing headphones depends on where you are. Some places in the U.S. ban over-ear headphones but allow one earbud. Other states and countries might have laws against driving with headphones but allow exceptions for people with hearing issues.
Before driving with headphones, check the rules in your area. The EU has a website where you can find road rules for all EU countries. In the UK and other places, you should contact local authorities for the current laws.
But even if it’s not illegal, is it safe to drive with headphones? Remember that loud music can make it hard to hear and pay attention while driving, which could lead to missing important signals. In most cases, it’s better not to wear them while driving.
Can you sleep with headphones on?
Listening to music at night can help block out the ringing noise from tinnitus. Recorded meditations or calming sounds can also help you relax and get ready for sleep.
It’s usually safe to sleep with headphones on, but here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Lower the volume:
If you fall asleep with headphones in, you might have music playing in your ears for a long time. Listening at high volumes (over 80–85 dB) can damage your hearing. Always keep the volume as low as possible before you sleep. If you’re using Spotify, you can use the sleep timer to turn off the music after you fall asleep. Other music apps may have similar features.
2. Don’t use noise-cancelling features at night:
While you sleep, you want to hear any important sounds like alarms or phone calls. If your noise-cancelling headphones block these sounds, turn off that feature before going to bed.
3. Avoid in-ear headphones if you can:
Wearing in-ear headphones for a long time can be uncomfortable and may cause moisture to build up in your ears, which can lead to infections. It’s better to use over-ear headphones or an external speaker if possible.
If you follow these simple tips and keep the volume low, you can wear headphones all day without issues. The Sonos Ace headphones are great for long listening sessions. They provide rich, realistic sound and can last up to 30 hours with noise cancellation on, allowing you to enjoy your music for as long as you want. The Ultimate Guide to Wearing Headphones