Earphones and ear damage: Let’s face it, a majority of us utilise earphones or headphones daily. Whether it’s music, movies, work calls, or gaming, earphones have become a regular part of our lives. But have you ever wondered if these tiny devices harm your ears?
How do earphones and headphones work?
Earphones and headphones deliver sound straight into your ears. The sound waves travel down the ear canal, strike the eardrum, and create vibrations that pass into the inner ear. Here, tiny hair-like cells convert those vibrations into signals your brain interprets as sound. These cells are extremely delicate and, once damaged, can lead to permanent hearing loss.
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Can earphones damage your hearing?
The risk depends on how loud and how long you use them. Listening at full volume puts your ears under intense stress. Sounds above 85 decibels can start damaging hearing over time, and many devices can reach 100–110 decibels, loud enough to cause permanent harm. Even wearing earphones for several hours a day increases the risk of long-term hearing problems, especially with in-ear models that sit deep in the ear canal.
Have you ever taken your earphones out after a long session and noticed that sounds seem muffled? That’s temporary hearing loss. If this happens often, the damage could be permanent.
Another warning sign is tinnitus, a constant ringing, buzzing, or humming in the ears. It isn’t an external sound but your brain trying to interpret missing signals, often because the delicate hair cells inside the ear are damaged.
Are headphones safer than earphones?
Earphones or earbuds sit inside your canal. They are closer to the eardrum, so they deliver louder sound directly to the most sensitive part of your ear. This means a higher risk of damage, especially if used at a high volume.
On-ear and over-ear headphones sit on or around your ears, not inside them. Because they aren’t as close to the eardrum, they can be a bit safer, especially over-ear models that fully cover your ears and block outside noise.
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Noise-cancelling headphones are even better, as they reduce background sounds and let you listen clearly at lower volumes.
Any earphones or headphones can cause permanent hearing damage if misused. The solution isn’t to give them up completely; it’s to practice moderation and smart listening habits.
