As people use headphones, earphones and earbuds with their smartphones more and more, some are likely to listen to music at high volumes while others may spend several hours each day with earphones in their ears. This kind of regular usage could unknowingly increase the risk of hearing loss.
To find out about how headphones and earphones can contribute to hearing loss, and whether it can be prevented, SoftBank News spoke to Dr. Tsuyoshi Matsunobu, a specialist in otolaryngology – a medical field concerned with the ear, nose, throat (ENT) and related parts of the head and neck – at the Nippon Medical School Hospital in Tokyo.
About Dr. Takeshi Matsunobu
Became a Doctor of Medicine after graduating from Keio University in Tokyo, and a specialist in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Associate Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, at Nippon Medical School. Chairman of the Headphone and Earphone Hearing Loss Working Group of the Japanese Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Hearing loss symptoms caused by headphone and earphone use
Hearing loss stemming from headphone and earphone use can develop due to prolonged listening at high volumes. Its official name is “noise-induced hearing loss” (NIHL). With the proliferation of portable music players and smartphones, this condition is said to be rapidly increasing. The World Health Organization (WHO) has even sounded the alarm, stating that 1.1 billion young people worldwide are at risk of developing hearing loss. The main symptoms are as follows.
Main symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss
- Tinnitus:
This is the sensation of hearing ringing or buzzing sounds that have no actual source. If it's a transient symptom that subsides within a few seconds, there's no need for concern. However, if the ringing doesn't subside for several hours, it could be a sign of declining hearing abilities. - Feeling of clogging in ears:
The sensation of having a clogged ear is technically known as aural fullness. If the problem resolves itself within a few minutes, like when on an airplane, it's not a problem. However, if it continues for an extended period of time, it's something to pay attention to. - Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds:
Noise-induced hearing loss often starts with a decline in the ability to hear high frequencies around 4,000Hz. Since this frequency range isn’t heard regularly, it can be hard to notice. But there are cases where hearing loss is discovered when people realize they can't hear some electronic sounds, such as ringtones, in their daily lives. - Decrease in hearing abilities:
If you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves during conversations or realize that you can't hear sounds others can, you might start wondering if you’re having trouble hearing. This could indicate a decrease in hearing abilities.
A key characteristic of noise-induced hearing loss caused by headphones and earphones is that symptoms usually occur in both ears. Tinnitus and the feeling of ear blockage often appear in the early stages of hearing loss. By the time individuals become aware of their hearing difficulties, their hearing loss may have already become serious. Symptoms differ by person, but if you experience persistent tinnitus or ear blockage, it's advisable to stop using headphones or earphones and visit a specialist immediately.
What causes noise-induced hearing loss from headphones and earphones?
Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by damage to delicate hair cells in the inner ear that detect sound. These cells can deteriorate due to the impact of loud volumes, leading to hearing loss. The problem with headphones and earphones is that they deliver sound directly into the ear without any loss of energy, which can severely damage these hair cells, especially with continuous and prolonged listening.
The WHO warns of the risk of hearing loss for people with exposure to 80dB of sound for over 40 hours per week for adults, and 75dB for children. Even brief exposure to loud sounds can potentially cause significant ear damage. While the risk from long online meetings with headphones or earphones is not yet well understood, it's likely less risky than continuous music listening sessions due to breaks in the conversations. Nonetheless, it's good practice to give your ears a rest after such meetings.
Can noise-induced hearing loss be treated?
What makes noise-induced hearing loss frightening is that it's irreversible once it occurs. This is because current medical technology cannot regenerate the damaged hair cells in our ears. However, recovery is possible if symptoms are detected early. So it's critical to promptly consult an otolaryngologist – also referred to as ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors – if you notice any abnormality in your hearing.
Humans typically start experiencing age-related hearing loss after the age of 40. But younger generations, who often listen to loud music on headphones or earphones, are said to start experiencing hearing loss earlier and at a faster pace compared to typical age-related hearing loss. Currently, there is no significant increase in children and young people diagnosed with headphone and earphone-induced hearing loss, but there is speculation that it will become prevalent in the coming decades. To prevent such an outcome, it's crucial to start implementing appropriate measures and raise awareness.
Some measures for preventing noise-induced hearing loss caused by headphones and earphones include listening at volumes where surrounding conversations can still be heard, taking a 10 minute break after every hour of listening to avoid continuous exposure, and choosing earphones with noise-canceling features.
(Posted on January 31, 2024; original article posted on May 20, 2023)
Original text by Miwako Katsube
Edited by Exwrite Inc. and SoftBank News Editors
