Headphones: How to Use Them & Protect Your Hearing

Wireless headphones and earbuds have become a part of everyday life: commuting, gym workouts, video calls, even sleep aids. But while they’ve made listening more personal and portable, that convenience comes with a risk. Audiologists are reporting a rise in noise-induced hearing loss linked to unsafe listening practices, particularly among younger people. So how much sound can your ears really handle? Is noise-induced hearing damage ever reversible? And what habits will protect your hearing so you don’t have to stop using your headphones? In this episode, we break down the dangers and share expert advice on listening safely.Expert: Dr. Kelsey Roy, AudiologistNotable topics covered:A primer on the different types of personal listening devicesStatistics on noise-induced hearing loss in the wireless headphone eraAre earbuds more dangerous because they go directly in the ear canal?How loud, how long: The lowdown on boundaries for listening to headphones safelyPodcasts and audio books can’t cause as much damage as music, can they?Why noise-cancelling headphones are a good way to goIs falling asleep listening to earbuds dangerous?The cumulative effect of decades of listening to headphonesThe early warning signs your headphones are hurting your hearingDoes headphone overuse exhaust and put pressure on the brain? If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.