How Safe are Wireless Headphones? a Simple Guide

As reported by the data firm Statista, in the UK alone, we allocate roughly one billion pounds annually on headphones, with a notable demand for wireless models. While many enthusiasts appreciate them, there have also been discussions on social media regarding their possible health implications. Other Side of the Story investigated these worries to distinguish between facts and misinformation. How Safe are Wireless Headphones

Are wireless headphones safe?

Wireless headphones, whether over-ear or in-ear, utilize Bluetooth technology to link with our devices. This involves the creation of an electromagnetic field, leading some individuals to speculate about potential harm to our brains.

Scientific studies have been conducted regarding wireless headphones and their possible dangers. They release a type of radiation known as radiofrequency radiation, which operates at a significantly lower frequency than the radiation that can be harmful to humans. In 2019, Cancer Research UK asserted that there wasn’t sufficient evidence to prove that Bluetooth headphones pose a threat and that studies involving large populations found no correlation with an increased cancer risk. Nevertheless, research into the health impacts of wireless headphones is ongoing as of 2025.

Are pricier headphones superior?

Noise-cancelling headphones are a relatively recent innovation. They incorporate specialized software that eliminates external sounds like a television or barking dog, enabling the user to concentrate solely on one audio source.

Prices for these headphones vary, ranging from under £50 to over £100 and beyond. Which? magazine, where a group of experts evaluates different brands and models of various products, discovered that decent noise-cancelling features could be found in headphones costing around £50, indicating that spending a lot isn’t always necessary – but ultimately, the amount someone chooses to invest is entirely their decision.

Do noise-cancelling headphones safeguard our hearing?

Other Side of the Story consulted Claire Benton, the president of the British Academy of Audiology, to gain insights on noise-cancelling headphones. Claire shared that they can assist in protecting hearing, as concentrating on a single sound with all other noises muted means it doesn’t have to be played at a high volume.

“You must still adhere to proper listening habits,” Claire emphasized. “Give your ears breaks from listening, maintain a safe volume level, as the temptation to increase it remains. Some individuals really enjoy loud music, and we know it can be quite hazardous if done for prolonged periods. The regulations indicate that eighty-five decibels (dB) for eight hours is considered safe, without any hearing protection.”

Eighty-five dB corresponds to the sound level produced by heavy traffic or a food blender. Claire noted that if you listen to something just three dB louder, the time you can safely listen drops from eight hours to four.