Whether it’s music, audiobooks, or podcasts (may we recommend Houston Methodist’s On Health podcast?), Americans spend nearly four hours a day listening to audio content, according to Nielsen. What Headphones do Doctors Recommend?
If you want to enjoy a game or the latest romantasy book without disturbing others, using headphones, earphones, or earbuds is the way to go. But how can we protect our hearing while enjoying our audio content?
We spoke to Dr. Mary Williams, an audiologist at Houston Methodist, about hearing preservation and safe headphone use so you can listen without fear of injury.
“There are benefits and potential safety drawbacks to each style of headphones,” says Dr. Williams. “Sound quality and overall fit can vary between styles and brands, which can influence your listening habits and impact your hearing. You must also consider how and when you’ll use headphones, as your overall physical safety can be affected when listening to audio in public.”
Headphones, earphones, or earbuds: What’s the difference?
If you’ve ever said “earphones” but meant “earbuds,” or said “earphones” but meant “headphones,” you’re not alone. The terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different devices. Throughout this article, we will use “headphones” to generally refer to all three types of audio equipment, but it’s important to recognize that they are distinct products.
Headphones
Headphones consist of ear cups connected by an adjustable headband. There are several styles of headphones: over-ear, on-ear, closed-back, and bone conduction. The differences lie in the design of the ear cups:
Over-ear headphones: These headphones are typically larger, with ear cups that fully cover the entire ear. They can be either closed-back or open-back.
On-ear headphones:
These are generally smaller, with ear cups that do not cover the entire ear. Instead, they rest on the sides of the ears above the earlobe. This type can also be closed-back or open-back.
Closed-back headphones:
These headphones are completely sealed around the ear cups. While the sound may not be as natural, they provide more isolation and can block a considerable amount of outside noise. Additionally, people nearby are less likely to hear what you’re listening to. However, wearing them for prolonged periods can make your ears feel warm.
Bone conduction headphones:
These open-ear audio devices use vibrations through the bone to transmit sound to the cochlea, or inner ear, allowing users to hear audio without blocking the ear canal. This technology is especially useful for individuals who need to remain aware of their surroundings, such as runners or cyclists.
Earphones
People often use the terms earphones and earbuds interchangeably, but there are key differences. Earphones, also known as in-ear headphones or in-ear monitors, can be either wired or wireless. They are inserted into the ear canal and typically feature silicone, foam, or rubber ear tips in various sizes to ensure a comfortable fit. Earphones can block out more ambient sounds due to the sealed fit provided by the ear tips. However, since they are positioned close to the ear canal, users may be more exposed to higher decibel levels.
Some earphones come with ear fins or ear hooks to help secure them in place during activities like running. This design may cause pressure in the ear canal with prolonged use.
Earbuds
Earbuds rest on the concha of the outer ear and only enter the ear canal at a shallow depth. They are usually made of plastic and come in a single, non-adjustable size. Because of their less snug fit, earbuds allow more ambient noise to seep in. Like earphones, earbuds can be wired or wireless, but true noise-cancelling earbuds are less common.
Regardless of the type of audio equipment you use, it’s essential to consider ear health.
“Using closed-back headphones, earphones, or earbuds for extended periods can increase the risk of ear canal irritation or infections, especially if moisture gets trapped,” says Dr. Williams. “Be sure to regularly clean your earphones or earbuds as per the manufacturer’s instructions and practice good hygiene. If you experience irritation or signs of infection after using audio devices, consult your doctor.”
Are there specific types of headphones that are better for hearing health?
If your audio equipment effectively filters out ambient sound—whether through active noise cancellation (ANC) technology or the fit in or on the ear—it may help protect your hearing.
“Noise cancellation reduces unwanted background sounds, decreasing the need to raise the volume,” Dr. Williams explains. “However, it’s important to use these headphones in a safe environment where you won’t miss important alerts or emergency signals.”
Dr. Williams also notes that noise-cancelling headphones lower the likelihood of increasing the volume, which can lead to potential hearing loss. However, they should not be considered a substitute for hearing protection. She recommends using adequate hearing protection in loud environments, such as concerts and certain workplaces.
What volume level is safe for listening to music through headphones?
We often hear someone say, “turn it up” to express their enjoyment of a song. However, high volume levels are not beneficial for our hearing health. With some headphone types placed directly in the ear canal, prolonged listening at elevated volumes can lead to hearing problems.
“I usually recommend keeping the device volume at or below 50% — whether it’s a phone, tablet, etc. — to protect your hearing,” says Dr. Williams.
The duration of your headphone use can also impact safety. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), it is safe to listen at 85 dB for up to eight hours a day, totaling no more than 40 hours a week. Decibels (dB), which measure sound intensity, range from 0, barely audible to the human ear, to 130, which is the threshold of pain for sound intensity.
It’s important to note that safe listening time decreases significantly as volume increases.
Additionally, the fit of the headphones can influence your listening habits, which is crucial for determining how long you can safely wear them.
“The fit does matter because you want headphones to securely cover the ear or create a tight seal, which reduces the need to increase the overall volume,” says Dr. Williams.
If you use headphones for extended periods, Dr. Williams recommends taking breaks.
“It’s advisable to follow the 60/60 rule: listen at no more than 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time, followed by a short break,” Dr. Williams advises. “Ideally, you should take a 5-to-10-minute break every hour to give your ears a rest.”
Are there headphone brands or models designed for hearing protection?
Dr. Williams mentions that some headphone brands and models are specifically designed with hearing health in mind. She recommends looking for products that offer volume limiting, noise isolation, or active noise cancellation (ANC). These features help protect your ears by minimizing the need to increase the volume.
Although not an exhaustive list, here are a few examples that meet these criteria:
– Sony WH-1000XM5 or Sony WF-1000XM5 (earbuds)
– Bose QuietComfort Series
– Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
Is it bad to wear headphones while sleeping?
Dr. Williams emphasizes that wearing earphones while sleeping isn’t necessarily harmful, but there are several important precautions to consider for your hearing and overall comfort.
“Listening to sleep sounds, ASMR, or calming music at a low volume (ideally below 50%) can be soothing, but prolonged exposure at higher volumes may lead to hearing damage,” Dr. Williams warns. “For safer listening, consider sleep-specific audio devices like soft headband headphones or pillow speakers. Opt for wireless models to avoid the risk of getting tangled in cords. Setting a timer so the audio turns off after you fall asleep and keeping your earphones clean are also good practices to minimize potential issues.”
Signs of hearing loss, and when to talk to your doctor
Hearing loss often goes unnoticed, as it can be subtle and progress slowly. Dr. Williams recommends talking with your doctor if you notice any of the following signs: What Headphones do Doctors Recommend?
- Ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus)
- Muffled hearing
- Difficulty understanding speech
- Needing higher volumes on your TV or devices
- Ear pain or discomfort
- Temporary hearing loss after using headphones, earphones or earbuds