Earbuds are the most common devices among people. They mostly use them for podcasts, music, and phone or work calls. However, most scientists and hearing experts say that listening to loud sounds through earbuds for a long time can cause damage to permanent hearing.
The main problem is not the earbuds themselves. The real issue is how loud the sound is and how long people listen to it.
How Hearing Damage Happens
Inside our ear, there is a part called the cochlea. It has very tiny hair-like cells that convert the sound vibrations into signals. Only the brain can understand those signals. These cells are very fine. If someone listens to loud noise for long periods, these tiny cells get damaged or sometimes die.
These do not grow back the same as many other cells in your body. As a result, the hearing loss becomes permanent. The condition is known as noise-induced hearing loss.
How Loud Is Considered Too Loud?
Sound is usually measured in decibels (dB). The risk of hearing damage increases sharply when sound levels exceed certain limits. Research shows that:
- 70 dB or below is generally safe for long exposure
- 85 dB or above can cause hearing loss if it is for a long period
Most modern earbuds can easily exceed these limits. Generally, volume can range from:
| Source | Volume (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Whisper, a quiet room/library | 30-40 dBA |
| Moderate rainfall, conversation, dishwasher | 50-60 dBA |
| Blow dryer, heavy traffic, alarm clock | 70-90 dBA |
| Hand drill, snowblower, concert speakers | 100-110 dBA |
| Sirens, firearms, and fireworks at 3 feet | 120-150 dBA |
Why Is Loud Noise Becoming a Growing Public Health Concern
Over 1 Billion Young People At Risk
A 2022 study considered 33 studies that included more than 19,000 people aged 12 to 34. The research is known as a systematic review and meta-analysis. After analysing the data, the researchers estimated that between 670 million and 1.35 billion young people worldwide could be at risk of hearing loss. The main reason is unsafe listening habits.
- Some listen to loud music on headphones or earbuds.
- Others listen for very long periods without breaks.
- Most people spend time in very loud places, like clubs, concerts, or parties.
So, it doesn't mean that these people already have hearing loss. Instead, their habits can put them at risk of damaging their hearing in the future if they continue listening to loud sounds for long periods.
Most People Listen at Unsafe Volume Levels
Studies show that many people listen to music at volumes higher than experts recommend as safe. Among them, around 25% are young adults. About 65% of people who use earbuds or headphones listen at a volume of more than 85 dBA.
The limit is important because it is the extreme level where hearing damage can start if you listen for a long time.
It means a large number of people listen to music too loudly. As a result, the risk of long-term ear problems or hearing loss increases.
Prevalence of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is very common around the world. More than 430 million people globally currently have serious hearing loss. Some studies show that about 1 in every 4 adults has signs of hearing damage caused by loud noise.
Experts believe that frequent exposure to loud sounds can be one of the major reasons for the problem. Those loud sounds can also include your personal audio devices. Hearing damage from loud noise is already affecting millions of people, and unsafe listening habits can make the problem even bigger.
Are Earbuds More Dangerous Than Headphones?
Some hearing experts think earbuds can be slightly riskier than headphones. The reason can be that the earbuds sit inside the ear canal, which is very close to the eardrum. When sound comes from a close distance, it can reach the ear directly and sometimes more intensely.
Headphones, especially over-ear headphones, sit outside the ear. So, the sound travels a little farther before it reaches the eardrum. However, some people say that the type of device is not the main problem. What matters is:
- How loud the volume is
- How long have you listened to loud music
The real danger is not your device but how long you listen to the loud sound.
Are earbuds safe to use? by u/Wail3Y in Earbuds
What Is The 60/60 Rule Recommended By Experts?
The 60/60 rule is a simple guideline recommended by hearing experts to help people use their earbuds or headphones safely. It can reduce the risk of hearing damage. It has two easy parts:
60% Volume: You need to keep the volume of your laptop, phone, or music player at no more than 60% of its maximum level.
60 Minutes at a time: You should not listen for more than 60 minutes continuously. Take a short break to give your ears some rest.
So, Why Does The Rule Matter?
Loud sounds can damage the tiny hair cells inside the inner ear. It helps you hear better. If these cells are damaged, they cannot grow back. These make hearing loss permanent. There are two main things that increase the risk of hearing damage:
- A very loud noise
- Listening for too long without any breaks
The 60/60 rule can limit the loudness and the listening time. It reduces the total sound exposure to safer levels.
Why 60% Of Volume is Considered Safer
Most headphones and earbuds come with a 100-110 dB volume. Their noise level is dangerous enough to damage hearing within a few minutes. When you set the volume at 60%, the level is usually about 75-85 dB. It is much safer for longer listening times.
What Are The Signs Your Hearing May Be Damaged
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
- Trouble understanding the voice over the phone
- Asking others to speak slowly and clearly
- Trouble hearing some sounds, such as you get confused between s and f in speech
- Continuous ringing in the ears
- Certain sounds are unbearable or create pain
The Bottom Line
Earbuds are not dangerous, but when you use them at high volume for long periods these can permanently damage your hearing. Billions of young people are already at risk due to unsafe listening habits. Fortunately, hearing loss from earbuds is preventable if you are able to control the volume and exposure time. If you frequently experience ringing in the ears or muffled hearing, it can be a sign of early hearing damage. In such cases, you need to seek guidance from a doctor. They can evaluate your hearing and suggest the treatment options.
If you put efforts to protect your ears today, it will determine how well you can hear for the rest of your life.