How Regular use of Earphones affect our ears
In today's world, earphones are widely used for convenience, but they can harm hearing health. Prolonged high-volume use damages inner ear cells, leading to hearing loss and tinnitus. Earphones also raise infection risks and cause earwax buildup.
Like it or not, more of us are using headphones on a regular basis.
We talked to Claire Saywell RHAD, FSHAA Senior Audiologist & Clinical Development Coach, at Bayfields Opticians and Audiologists to find out how regular use of earphones can affect your ears.
Regular use of earphones can lead to a range of potential problems, including:
Hearing loss: Listening to music or other audio at high volumes can damage the tiny hair cells in the inner ear responsible for hearing. This can lead to permanent hearing loss over time.
Tinnitus: Prolonged exposure to loud music or other audio through earphones can also cause a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears known as tinnitus. This can be temporary or permanent, and can be extremely bothersome.
Ear infections: Using earphones can create a warm, moist environment in the ear canal, which can increase the risk of bacterial or fungal infections. This is especially true if the earphones are shared with others or not cleaned regularly.
Earwax buildup: Using earphones can push earwax deeper into the ear canal, which can lead to blockages and other problems. This can cause pain, itching, and even hearing loss in some cases.
Physical damage: If earphones are not used properly or are used for extended periods of time, they can cause physical damage to the ears, such as soreness, tenderness, or even cuts or bruises.
While using earphones can be convenient and enjoyable, it's important to use them in moderation and take steps to protect your ears from potential harm. This includes using noise-cancelling headphones, taking regular breaks, and cleaning your earphones regularly.
We understand the importance of clear communication and the impact it has on your quality of life. That's why they strive to deliver tailored solutions to enhance your hearing experience, whether it's through advanced hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or expert advice.
Take a proactive step towards maintaining your hearing health by booking a free hearing health check today.