Doctors Warn Of The Dangers Of What Happens When You Wear Headphones For Too Long

Sep 03, 2018 by apost team

Wearing headphones is a convenient and pleasant practice when you are out and about. It gives you the freedom to listen to whatever you want and wherever you want without disturbing others. This, however, could have its negative side effects. Besides the acne that could pop out as a result of the unhygienic use of headphones, the constant listening to loud volumes can lead to an irreversible hearing loss. 

Here are the side effects of listening to loud music on your earphones for too long and what you can do to prevent them from occurring in the first place. 

The listening to loud music for a long period of time or just in a very high volume can damage hearing. A comparison is the motorcycles and chainsaws that work at high speeds. Their sound measures around 100 decibels. This type of sound can damage hearing in a matter of 30 minutes. For earbuds, just 70% of the maximum volume gives off 85 decibels. 

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the condition in which the hearing is lost due to this type of activity. It is common and preventable. A common rule that is very helpful to remember is the 60/60 rule. It reminds you to only listen to the headphones at 60% of the maximum volume and no more than 60 minutes without a break. 

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It is a good idea to remember never to share your headphones with another since it is the easiest way of transferring infection-causing bacteria. This goes for any impurities on the earbuds or headphones. To prevent this, always keep them as clean as possible. Another cause for ear infections could be the rising temperature in the ear canal due to headphone listening. Skin abrasion could also occur and the harmful bacteria could use the small wounds to infest the area. 

To prevent this, always clean your headphones with a disinfectant before using. 

When wearing headphones you can be quite distracted. This could be a good thing when you are trying to isolate yourself from your external environment for a while. While this is a good strategy when indoors, it could be dangerous when you are outside and have to pay attention to passing bicycles, cars, or pedestrians. 

In order to be more courteous and safe for yourself and others, turn your volume down when outside, or turn off the music for a while. 

Vertigo is a condition in which the one suffering from it feels a loss of balance. It could also manifest as dizziness, nausea, or even vomiting. It creates a sensation of movement even when you are standing still. Using headphones for too long can lead to conditions that result in this condition. 

Radiation is no joke. If you have wireless headphones, they use radiation to connect to the main device. Although there is no thorough research on the effects of low-frequency radiation on the human body, research of the World Health Organization shows that radiation can act as a carcinogen on the tested biological organisms. 

• Only purchase brand new headphones.
• Listen to 80% of the maximum volume for no longer than 90 minutes without pausing.
• Do not force the earbuds into your ears.
• Do not listen to loud music when walking or driving outside
• Go to your doctor if you experience dizziness or loss of balance.

Your hearing is one of your most important senses. Protect it in any way by following the advice above and helping others protect their own hearing by spreading the information.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!