Listening to music through earphones has become a daily habit for many people, whether during work, travel, or relaxation. While it can improve mood and make routine tasks more enjoyable, using earphones for extended periods—especially at high volume—may gradually damage hearing.
Health experts are now raising concerns about the growing number of young people experiencing early signs of hearing problems due to prolonged earphone use. According to ENT specialist Deepti Sinha from CK Birla Hospital, excessive exposure to loud audio through earphones can harm the delicate structures inside the ear.
The doctor explained that she is increasingly seeing young adults showing symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss. Traditionally, hearing problems were more common in older adults, but lifestyle habits such as listening to loud music through headphones are now causing hearing damage much earlier in life.
One of the major challenges with hearing loss is that it develops slowly and without pain. Many people do not notice any immediate symptoms while the damage continues silently over time. By the time individuals realise something is wrong, the hearing damage may already be permanent.
The main risk factor is listening to audio at high volumes for long durations. Sound levels above about 85 decibels can begin to harm the sensitive hair cells in the inner ear. These cells play a crucial role in transmitting sound signals to the brain, and once they are damaged, they cannot regenerate.
To reduce the risk, the doctor recommends following the 60/60 rule. This guideline suggests listening to audio at no more than 60 percent of the device’s maximum volume and limiting continuous listening to about 60 minutes at a time. After an hour of use, it is advisable to take a short break of at least five minutes to allow the ears to rest.
Another helpful tip is to use noise-cancelling earphones in noisy environments. These devices block background noise, which means users do not need to increase the volume as much to hear clearly.
There are also several early warning signs that may indicate hearing strain or damage. These include persistent ringing in the ears, muffled sounds, difficulty understanding speech, or a feeling of pressure or fullness inside the ear. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult an ENT specialist for evaluation.
Experts also recommend regular hearing check-ups, especially for people over the age of 50 or those with conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, as these health issues may also affect hearing ability.
By adopting safer listening habits and taking regular breaks, people can continue enjoying music and audio content while protecting their long-term hearing health.
