Experts warn of permanent hearing loss from high-volume headphone use

Medical experts are warning that using headphones at volume levels exceeding 80 decibels can lead to permanent hearing loss, particularly among younger populations. Prolonged exposure to high-intensity sound can cause damage to the hair cells in the inner ear, resulting in acoustic trauma and irreversible cellular death.

Prof. Dr. Suat Turgut, Head of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department at Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, noted that many young people increase volume levels to mask external ambient noise. This practice significantly raises the risk of acoustic trauma. Additionally, experts pointed out that in-ear headphones can cause infections by damaging the outer ear canal. To mitigate these risks, specialists suggest utilizing bone conduction or open-ear technologies that keep the ear canal unobstructed.