Prolonged earbud use linked to increased risk of hearing loss

Experts are warning that prolonged and frequent use of earbuds, particularly at high volumes, can lead to permanent hearing loss. Because earbuds sit close to the eardrum, sound intensity reaches the inner ear more directly than with standard speakers.

Continuous exposure to high volumes can damage the tiny hair cells in the inner ear responsible for detecting sound. Once these cells are damaged, they generally cannot be regenerated. Risks are further increased when users turn up the volume to drown out ambient noise due to a poor fit, or when they fail to give their ears adequate rest between uses.

A 2022 literature review published in Curie analyzed 23 studies worldwide, finding that sound levels from personal music players can range from 78 to 136 decibels. Research indicates that students using earphones for two or more hours daily show higher rates of hearing decline. Additionally, adolescents who listen to loud music in noisy environments may face a fourfold increase in hearing problem risks.

To mitigate these risks, health experts recommend the ‘60/60 rule’: keeping the volume at approximately 60 percent of the maximum level and limiting continuous listening to no more than 60 minutes at a time.