How headphones and earbuds affect your ears – tips for safe use

These days, it’s common to see people walking around with headphones or earbuds in their ears. They’ve become an essential part of daily life for music, calls, or even focus. But have you ever thought about how safe they are for your ears?

Health experts warn that using headphones daily can harm your hearing over time, especially for children and teenagers, who often listen to music for hours. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that about 50% of people aged 12 to 35 are at risk of hearing loss because of loud sounds from personal audio devices.

While earphones can help you relax or focus, wearing them for hours can irritate your ears, especially if they don’t fit well. This may cause dryness, itching, or even small cuts inside the ear canal.

Another problem is earwax buildup. Normally, your ears clean themselves naturally when you talk or chew, but using earphones pushes wax deeper, increasing the risk of infection and even temporary hearing loss.

Doctors also say that when your brain gets used to blocking outside sounds with earphones, it becomes more sensitive to normal noises around you. This can make everyday sounds feel irritating over time.

How to Use Earphones Safely

You don’t have to stop using them completely—just follow these tips:

• Follow the 60/60 rule: Listen at no more than 60% volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time.
• Take short breaks: Rest your ears for 5–10 minutes every 30–60 minutes.
• Keep them clean: Regularly clean your earphones and don’t insert them too deep into your ear.
• Turn down the volume: Keep the sound as low as possible.
• Limit children’s use: Monitor kids and teens because their ears are more sensitive.
• Spend time without sound: Give your ears quiet time during work or study.

By following these steps, you can enjoy your music and protect your hearing at the same time.

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