At a time when technology is omnipresent in our daily lives, prolonged use of headphones and earphones poses risks to our hearing health. Indeed, prolonged exposure to high sound levels is one of the main causes of noise-induced hearing loss. Most common earphones and headsets can produce sounds up to 105 dB or more, levels that can begin to damage hearing in less than five minutes of exposure per day.
The closer the sound source is to the delicate structures of the ear, the more intense its impact, making in-ear devices like headphones particularly risky. Additionally, frequent use of these devices may worsen or trigger tinnitus, a perception of noises such as ringing or ringing in the ears. Tinnitus often occurs as a symptom of inner ear damage from excessive noise exposure and can be temporary or, in more severe cases, permanent.
Furthermore, prolonged use of earphones or headsets can also lead to ear infections. These devices can promote earwax buildup by blocking the normal migration of earwax out of the ear canal, which can lead to blockages or infections. Additionally, sharing headphones increases the risk of transmitting bacteria or viruses from one person to another.
Listening to audio at high volume for extended periods of time can lead to a condition called hearing fatigue, which is stress caused to the hearing system due to prolonged sound exposure. Symptoms of hearing fatigue include fatigue, sensitivity to sound, and the need to continually turn up the volume to achieve the same level of hearing satisfaction.
Constant use of headphones or earphones, especially when listening to content, can significantly reduce awareness of one’s surroundings. This distraction can lead to accidents, especially when walking, driving, or in any situation where remaining attentive is crucial to your safety.
To prevent these risks to our hearing health, it is recommended to limit the continuous use of earphones or headsets to no more than 60 minutes each time. It is also advisable to follow the 60/60 rule, which consists of keeping the volume below 60% of the maximum and limiting listening time to less than 60 minutes at a time. Opting for noise-canceling headphones can help block out ambient noise and allow listening at lower volumes. Taking short breaks every 30 minutes can also reduce the risk of hearing fatigue. Finally, it is important to clean your devices regularly and avoid sharing headphones to maintain good ear hygiene.
In conclusion, preventing the risks associated with the use of earphones and headsets requires awareness of these potential dangers and the adoption of good listening practices. By taking care of our hearing health, we can continue to enjoy music and audio content while preserving our hearing for years to come.