GoKawiilAfter experiencing temporary hearing loss in my left ear, I became committed to protecting my hearing. Even though losing my hearing for a few weeks was caused by eustachian tube dysfunction -- when the tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose no longer functions properly -- I began to wonder about what else can negatively impact our ears.
While researching ear health tips, I discovered that a common piece of technology, my earbuds, could have contributed to my hearing issues. To find out more, I spoke to audiologists, health care providers who diagnose and treat hearing, balance and or ear disorders. This is what they taught me.
The hearing and ear health risks earbuds can pose
Earbuds can pose a few risks, according to Dr. Ruth Reisman, a licensed audiologist and New York hearing aid dispenser. They can trap heat and moisture in the ear, increasing the risk of ear infections. With repeated use, earbuds can also push earwax deeper into the ear, leading to buildup or impaction. Plus, if your earbuds don’t fit correctly or you wear them for long periods, they can cause irritation or soreness in your ear canal.
“Earbuds sit directly in the ear canal, which can increase several risks. The biggest concern is noise-induced hearing loss if volume is too high or listening time is too long,” said Reisman. “I have witnessed all of these problems in the course of my 15 years as an audiologist.”
When you listen to content at high volume, particularly for an extended period, Dan Troast, an audiologist at HearUSA, explains that it can permanently damage the delicate hair cells in your inner ear. Earbud use combined with high volume can cause:
Noise-induced hearing loss
Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing or hissing in the ears)
Sound sensitivity over time
Misusing earbuds is also common. If they don’t have noise cancellation, you might repeatedly turn up the volume to avoid hearing background noise, which can put you in an unsafe listening range fast. However, even listening at a moderate volume can become a problem if you do so for hours each day.
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