HHJ Physicians Directory 2020

Do earbuds and headphones cause hearing loss?
Ear buds and headphones can contribute to hearing loss even if you listen to them for just 15 minutes a day, if the volume is at or
above 85 decibels. The louder the sound, the faster hearing damage occurs. Most smartphones and tablets can produce volumes
over 100 decibels.
How do earbuds and headphones cause hearing damage?
Exposure to loud sounds—at or above 85 decibels—is a leading cause of hearing loss, because it damages the cells of your inner
ear. When it comes to noise-induced hearing loss, it all depends on how loud and how long.
Earbuds and headphones sit in or close to the ear canal, which places sound very close to the inner ear. This proximity has the
effect of boosting sound by an equivalent of nine decibels. That’s like going from a tinkling bell to the drone of a lawn mower.
Also, many people boost the volume to block out
background noise.
These days, many people wear earbuds for hours on
end. Even moderately loud sound can cause hearing
damage if you listen for too long. For example,
listening to a 90-decibel sound for three hours can be
as damaging as hearing a 155 decibel-sound (like a jet
taking off) for just thirty seconds.
Remember the 60/60 rule; listen at 60% of the volume
just 60 minutes a day.
How to wear earbuds and decrease your risk?
When wearing ear buds, keep the volume below
50%
Choose earmuff-style “noise-cancelling”
headphones to reduce or eliminate background
noise
If you prefer in-canal earbuds, make sure they fit
tightly to block out more background noise
Invest in “custom” earbuds made from a replica of
your ear canal. Tailored to your anatomy, custom
earbuds block out the most background noise so
you can listen at safer volumes. Custom earbuds
also deliver the best sound quality.
Educate children and teenagers. Most have no idea
that once hearing damage happens, it’s irreversible.
It’s important to prevent hearing loss from
occurring in the first place.
Tip! Did you know that the longer hearing loss
goes unrecognized and untreated, the faster it may
progress?
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