For many of us, our headphones have become an everyday item that we’ve grown accustomed to wearing, whether it’s to listen to music, fight noise pollution, or focus while working.
Let’s not forget as well those who wear headphones to avoid getting overstimulated in an already noisy world.
The bottom line: Headphones are everywhere, and we wear them for a variety of reasons.
So, it’s important to understand that, while they are practical and helpful, they also come with significant health risks you can’t afford to ignore. Ultimately, if you are a regular headphone wearer, you want to know what to pay attention to.
When Music Gets Too Loud
Can music truly get too loud when you’re vibbing to the tunes? The answer is yes, and you’d be surprised how easy it is to get into the habit of listening to it too loud. Indeed, you can get caught up trying to block out background noise and before you know it, you’ve cranked up the volume to a level that can do serious damage to the tiny hair cells inside your ears.
How loud should you listen to music? According to experts, you shouldn’t turn the volume above 60%, which is approximately 85 dB. And even if you listen to music at 85dB, you should still take some breaks every now and then.
If you notice any ringing or muffled hearing, it’s important to get your ears checked. Hearing loss is not reversible. If you have hearing difficulties, you can protect your ears with supportive tech, such as hearing aids provided by My Hearing Centers. Contrary to common belief, hearing aids are crucial to preserve your hearing health.
When Headphones Are Dirty
Your headphones sit right on your skin all day long, picking up sweat, dirt & oil. But when you fail to clean them regularly, this buildup can start to transfer bacteria into your ears. In some cases, it can cause nasty ear infections.
You might notice some itching, irritation, or pain that just won’t go away. It can be a lot more serious than a simple infection, as it can also damage some of your inner ear.
The solution is pretty simple: Keep your headphones clean. Ideally, you want to start with a soft cloth and a bit of rubbing alcohol or a disinfectant wipe every now & then. How regularly you clean them depends on how regularly you wear them.
Beware of Mold in The Headphones
Everyday wear is one thing. But everyday wear while working out is another. Wearing headphones to exercise brings the risk of moisture getting trapped inside the ear cushions or silicone tips. This can be extremely dangerous as it creates the perfect environment for mold to grow. Mold is definitely not something you want inside your ears.
The problem is that you may not notice immediately. So, you want to make sure that you are following the manufacturer’s instructions to keep the earmuffs mold-free.
There are also specialist solutions that help keep mold at bay, so, depending on your headphone usage, it’s worth investing in smart cleaning products.
Hopefully, this gives you a brief overview of the risks associated with headphones. There’s nothing wrong with wearing headphones, as long as you are health-conscious.
