Noise-canceling earphones and headphones can be helpful when you need silence on demand, but are they really that helpful? dangerous to health?
This technology is becoming increasingly popular among people who need to eliminate hearing distractions such as ambient chatter, loud children, and traffic noise. But some experts argue that blocking out ambient sound can put you at risk.
“Technology often provides convenience at the expense of consciousness,” Josh Gordon, head of innovation at Singapore technology company Geonode, told Fox News Digital.
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“Noise-cancelling earphones may provide a welcome sense of calm, but they can also mask important, life-saving sounds.”
Generally, good noise-canceling headphones can reduce noise by 20 to 40 decibels (dB), Gordon said.
Noise-canceling earphones and headphones can be helpful when you need silence, but some experts say they can be harmful to your health. (St. Petersburg)
“There are positive aspects and negative aspects, but all technology,” Dr. Ruth Reisman, a New York clinical audiologist and hearing aid distributor, told FOX News Digital.
“Wearing noise-cancelling headphones can have some negative side effects, including decreased awareness of noise. [people’s] Surroundings. “
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One of Riesman’s colleagues recently conducted research on the topic, she said.
“We found that in addition to the amount of media, exposure and duration of use can also affect patients’ hearing,” she noted.
This can have the following consequences: Hearing impairment There are “auditory processing challenges,” Riesman said.
In general, experts say a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones can reduce noise by 20 to 40 decibels. (St. Petersburg)
Joel Smith, California-based audio expert and founder of music hub AllAxess.com, agrees that noise-canceling headphones can affect your hearing if not used properly. I am.
“If you turn up the volume too much, noise-induced hearing lossyou may also develop a ringing in your ears, called tinnitus, or you may have difficulty processing sounds and distinguishing them clearly over time,” he told FOX News Digital.
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Continued exposure to loud noises can damage the hair cells in the inner ear that send sound signals to the brain, Smith said.
“When hair cells deteriorate due to loud noise, it becomes difficult for the brain to properly interpret speech, background noise, and other subtle sounds,” he says.
“It feels like your auditory processing is muffled or desensitized.”
Experts say noise-cancelling earphones and headphones are safe to use “as long as they’re set at an appropriate volume and not used for long periods of time.” (St. Petersburg)
Another risk, Smith says, is that if you don’t clean your earbuds regularly, they can trap moisture and bacteria, increasing the risk of: ear infection.
“Some studies also suggest that excessive headphone use may affect balance and spatial awareness because they rely less on natural sound cues,” Smith said. added.
Safe usage tips
Noise-canceling headphones have their benefits, experts agree.
These may be helpful for people with hyperacusis (sensitivity to noise) and people with autism, Riesman advises.
“As a result, noisy and disorienting environments are often more tolerable or accessible to people with these problems,” the doctor said.
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Riesman said noise-cancelling earphones and headphones are safe to use “as long as they are set at an appropriate volume and are not used for long periods of time.”
Research shows that less than 80 decibels is considered a safe sound level, and doctors say use should ideally be limited to no more than two to three hours per day.
Experts say continuous exposure to loud noises can damage hair cells in the inner ear, which send sound signals to the brain. (St. Petersburg)
“The question is how do you actually measure the amount of decibels at the eardrum level,” she says.
“Potentially it is possible go to an audiologist and have [the expert] Take a physical ear measurement or use an ear-level sound level meter to assess intensity. ”
Some phones will also provide guidance on safe volume levels, Riesman added.
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“I don’t think people need to avoid [noise-canceling headphones] But we need to use it responsibly,” Smith said.
He recommends following the 60/60 rule. This means keeping the volume below 60% and taking a break every 60 minutes to give your ears a rest.
“I don’t think people need to avoid [noise-canceling headphones] But it must be used responsibly,” the expert said. (St. Petersburg)
“Be especially careful in noisy environments, as you may turn the volume up too high to overcome the surrounding noise,” he advised.
Smith recommends taking regular breaks and keeping the volume at a moderate level to prevent auditory fatigue and maintain healthy hearing. senior citizen.
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“Technology is a powerful tool,” Gordon added.
“But like any tool, understanding its limitations and using it responsibly is key to staying safe.”
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