Summer Safe Listening: 3 Simple Ways to Keep Earbuds and Headphones From Damaging Your Hearing
Used improperly, earbuds and headphones can put a person’s hearing at risk. COVID-19 has heightened the risk, as many children and adults were wearing earbuds or headphones for hours on end each day while families sheltered in place.
Even with some virus-related restrictions now lifted, summer means more leisure time — and with that, more time using earbuds and headphones while watching shows, listening to music, and gaming.
These simple steps will help protect your and your family’s hearing:
- Turn the Volume Down (Even on “Volume-Limiting” Products): Some headphones claim to have maximum noise output levels that won’t damage hearing. But studies have shown that these claims aren’t always reliable and offer a false sense of security. For kids and adults alike, the best bet is to keep the volume at half level.
- Use Noise-Canceling Earbuds/Headphones: Noise-canceling earbuds or headphones can reduce the need to crank up the volume and help you hear better by drowning out outside noise.
- Take Regular Listening Breaks: Give your ears a rest and take hourly breaks, even if just for a few minutes. The potential for hearing damage hinges on how long you listen as much as how loud you listen.
How Loud Is Too Loud? How Long Is Too Long?
Repeatedly listening to devices at volumes that are too loud for too long can cause noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). NIHL is preventable, but once it occurs, it is irreversible. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.1 billion young people are at risk for NIHL. To prevent this condition, WHO recommends:
For children, usage should be no more than 40 hours of listening weekly on a personal audio device at levels no higher than 75 decibels.
For adults, usage should be no more than 40 hours at no higher than 80 decibels.
If you have concerns about your hearing, contact a certified audiologist. Learn more at www.asha.org/public.
