Does Wearing Earbuds Hurt My Hearing (2024)

From listening to a new album at home to using a voice chat on a video game with friends, earbuds and headphones are used by people of all ages each day. Still, depending on your usage, wearing earbuds or headphones could be putting your hearing at risk.

Valari Koziel, Au.D, clinical audiologist with Franciscan Health Dyer, explains what you should know to keep your hearing at its best if you use earbuds or headphones.

Do Earbuds And Headphones Damage Hearing?

Just about everyone has had a moment when they dial their music to uncomfortably high volumes to tune out background noise. Even though the background noise may only be present for a few moments, constantly prioritizing the volume of your music in a noisy public setting can have consequences for your hearing.

"Sure, your physical earbuds will not cause neural hearing damage, but the output level or volume level and the amount of time exposed at those levels is what causes hearing damage," Koziel said.

So, for those who tend to have their earbuds on standby in their ears with no music playing, you can continue doing so with confidence. However, remember the consequences of high-volume output when you return to playing your music.

"Hearing loss is affected by correlations of the amount of time earbuds are used and what volume level they are set at," Koziel said. "This correlation puts us at risk for what we refer to as Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)."

Koziel explained that earbuds worn at safe volume levels, which is 80 decibels or less, can be worn for 8 hours or longer with minimal to no risk, while levels above 80 decibels begin to cause damage over shorter periods.

"For example, earbuds with volume levels at 100 decibels will begin causing hearing damage in an hour," Koziel said. "Volume levels at 105 decibels begins damaging hearing in 38 minutes."

How Can I Use Earbuds Or Headphones Without Damaging My Ears?

Staying below specific decibel levels when using earbuds or headphones can keep your hearing in good condition. Start by learning how to keep your devices at those safer decibels.

"Listening at up to 60 percent of maximum earbud volume levels is generally considered safe," Koziel said. "Another rule for thought is if others around you can hear your earbuds playing in your ears, the volume is likely at damaging level."

Koziel explained that it's a good idea to use noise-cancelling headphones, as they allow a person to listen at safer volume levels. With noise-cancelling headphones, your audio will not compete with the outside noise, minimizing your risk of damaged hearing.

Alongside using noise-cancelling headphones, Koziel recommended listening at 60 percent of maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes per day, also known as the 60:60 rule, as a great rule of thumb for protecting your hearing.

"Also, you can use the 'smart volume' feature or something similar on your device if available," Koziel said. "This feature may notify you of unsafe listening levels. Additionally, remember to take periodic breaks to listening to allow hearing recovery."

Is Wearing Headphones Or Earbuds Safer?

Both earbuds and headphones are designed to give you more of a personal listening experience with your entertainment. Still, one of these devices is considered a safer experience than the other regarding your hearing.

"Headphones are an optimal option over earbuds due to the placement of volume in the ear," Koziel said. “Earbuds deliver the volume so near the eardrum in a much smaller space, increasing the risk for noise induced hearing loss at lower volume levels. Earbuds also risk impacting ear wax buildup and may result in needing increased volume."

How Can I Tell If I Have Hearing Damage From My Earbuds Or Headphones?

Signs of hearing loss can include:

• Muffled hearing
• Difficulty hearing in noisy environments
• Constant attempts to confirm dialogue by responding with "what" or "huh."
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

"If you're listening to audio at unsafe hearing levels, tinnitus may occur temporarily," Koziel said. “When this behavior is repeated over several hours, days, or months, tinnitus may become a permanent symptom of noise induced hearing loss."

Even beyond tinnitus, Koziel explained that hearing damage in young people may be temporary. With repetitive or increased exposure to recreational or occupational noises, these temporary shifts in hearing may become permanent.

Due to the potentially permanent hearing damage associated with high decibels, take the necessary steps to protect your hearing. Small changes can save your ability to enjoy entertainment and communicate with others.