The usage of headphones and earphones has experienced a significant surge over time. However, as these devices become our constant companions for music, podcasts, and calls, it’s crucial to consider their potential impact on our ears. We had the opportunity to speak with Dr. EV Raman, a Consultant Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bengaluru, who shed light on the effects of these devices and which one is better for our ears.
Understanding the Impact Dr. Raman highlighted, “The widespread use of headphones and earphones has soared since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, serving various purposes like work, education, and entertainment. Nevertheless, it’s essential to be cautious about their impact on our ears, as the exposure to noise remains consistent with both headphones and earphones.”
Prolonged exposure to noise levels exceeding 70 decibels (dB) for 24 hours can harm the delicate hair cells of the cochlea. Both headphones and earphones are digital devices and can lead to sudden, unnoticed increases in volume due to their automatic nature. Therefore, it’s advisable to use them in moderation and at appropriate decibel levels.
A study conducted by researchers at Wroclaw University of Science and Technology revealed that using in-ear and close headphones for around three hours on average can result in a hearing loss of 10-15 dB HL in higher frequencies.
Headphones vs. Earphones: A Comparison Dr. Raman explained, “When comparing earphones and headphones, both face challenges in environments with background noise, leading users to increase the volume to overcome external sounds. Earphones often prompt higher volume due to this reason.” However, headphones hold an advantage due to their over-ear design, which effectively blocks outside noise, allowing better audibility at lower volumes. Hence, headphones are generally considered a safer option.
He added, “Earphones present another challenge as even minor amounts of earwax can obstruct sound ports, causing users to unknowingly raise the volume.” On the other hand, headphones are less affected by earwax since it doesn’t hinder hearing unless the earwax completely blocks the ear canal. However, a potential downside of headphones is the need to wear a device.
Long-Term Effects Using either device over the long term can have damaging consequences. Consistent exposure to noise levels exceeding 70 dB for extended periods can harm the hair cells within the inner ear. The extent of damage correlates with the volume level. Dr. Raman clarified, “This outcome is comparable for both devices, with the degree of harm linked to sound volume. However, headphones typically encourage lower volume usage due to their design, while earphones may demand higher volumes to overcome ambient noise.”
A sudden increase in volume can also lead to immediate ear damage, representing both chronic and abrupt exposure. Instances such as being near a loudspeaker that suddenly amplifies can result in temporary threshold shifts. If exposure remains continuous, this can transform into a permanent threshold shift, ultimately leading to irreversible hearing loss over time.
Safe Usage Tips Dr. Raman provided several safety tips for using headphones and earphones:
- Take regular breaks: If listening continuously for 1-3 hours, consider breaks of about 5-10 minutes. Listening for more than 3 hours non-stop puts you at risk of hearing loss.
- Gradually increase volume: Always increase the volume gradually and maintain a comfortable lower volume level.
- Choose headphones in noisy environments: Headphones are safer in noisy surroundings as they minimize the need to raise the volume by blocking external sounds.
- Avoid excessive volume: Steer clear of continuous usage above 70 dB, especially when enjoying movies or music, as impulse noise can surpass 70 dB and lead to sudden ear damage.
Disclaimer The information provided in this article is from a registered healthcare professional and is meant for informational purposes only. It’s recommended to consult your healthcare expert for queries or complications.
