For many people, keeping their favourite songs playing for several hours iin their earphones is a routine they hardly question. Yet, when the volume is too high or listening sessions are too long, this seemingly harmless habit can gradually damage hearing.
From daily commutes to leisure time, many young people use earphones to listen to music on their smartphones. However, excessive volume and prolonged exposure can put their hearing at risk.
The risk does not come from wearing earphones alone, but from the intensity of the sound reaching the inner ear and the length of exposure. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prolonged exposure to loud sounds can damage the sensory cells responsible for transmitting sound signals to the brain. Unlike other cells in the body, these structures do not regenerate once permanently damaged. This can result in noise-induced hearing loss, which is often irreversible.
When does listening become dangerous?
One of the main risk factors is volume. People who listen to music in noisy environments, such as public transport, busy streets or crowded workplaces, often increase the sound level to drown out surrounding noise. Repeating this habit over time increases their exposure to potentially harmful sound levels.
The WHO indicates that adults can safely listen to sounds at an average level of 80 decibels for up to 40 hours per week. However, at 90 decibels, the recommended safe listening time drops to just four hours per week. This demonstrates why both volume and listening duration matter.
Another warning sign is the need to turn up the volume to hear music clearly, even when the surrounding environment is relatively quiet. If someone standing nearby can easily hear what is playing through your earphones, the volume may be excessive.
Simple habits to protect your hearing
Protecting your ears does not necessarily mean giving up music. A few adjustments to daily listening habits can significantly reduce the risks.
First, keep the volume below 60 per cent of your device’s maximum setting. This is a practical recommendation from the WHO for reducing exposure, although actual sound levels vary depending on the device and earphones used.
Second, avoid listening continuously for several hours. Take regular breaks, preferably in a quiet environment, to reduce the overall duration of sound exposure. Limiting listening time is particularly important when using earphones during long journeys or working sessions.
Choosing well-fitted or noise-cancelling headphones can also help. By reducing background noise, these devices make it easier to hear music clearly without constantly increasing the volume.
Where available, activate the volume-limiting and sound-exposure monitoring features on your smartphone. These tools can alert you when your listening habits exceed recommended levels.
Finally, avoid increasing the volume simply because you are in a noisy environment. Sometimes, the safest option is to remove your earphones until you reach a quieter place.
Warning signs that should not be ignored
Hearing damage does not always occur suddenly. In many cases, it develops gradually, making it difficult to recognise at an early stage.
Persistent ringing, buzzing or whistling sounds in the ears, commonly known as tinnitus, may indicate excessive exposure to loud sounds. Other warning signs include temporarily muffled hearing after listening to music, difficulty understanding conversations, frequently asking people to repeat themselves or struggling to hear high-pitched sounds.
Although some symptoms may disappear after a period of rest, their recurrence should not be ignored. Anyone experiencing persistent ringing or difficulties with hearing should consult a healthcare professional for an appropriate assessment.
Ultimately, enjoying music should not come at the expense of hearing health. Keeping the volume down, limiting listening time and paying attention to warning signs are simple measures that can help preserve one’s hearing for years to come.
