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Turn It Down!

You may not realize it, but your earbuds or headphones could be harming your hearing.

As You Read, Think About: How can you make sure you listen to headphones or earbuds at a safe volume? 

Chances are you’ve worn headphones more times than you can count. You might wear them when you listen to music, play games, or watch videos on YouTube. But it may be time to turn down the volume. A study released in 2022 found that more than 1 billion teens and young adults worldwide could be at risk of hearing loss. The researchers say one main reason is the use of smartphones and other devices with earbuds or headphones. 

Many kids think they don’t need to worry about protecting their hearing. 

“One myth about hearing loss is that only older people like grandma and grandpa get it. That’s not the case,” says Michele DiStefano. She’s an audiologist (a doctor who specializes in hearing) at the Center for Hearing and Communication in New York City. 

Earbuds and headphones have become more popular over time. Meanwhile, doctors say they’ve seen an increase in hearing damage among younger people. But there are some simple steps you can take to protect your ears and listen to devices safely.

Chances are you’ve worn headphones. You’ve probably worn them more times than you can count. You might wear them when you listen to music. You might also wear them when you play games or watch videos on YouTube. But it may be time to turn down the volume. A study released in 2022 found that more than 1 billion teens and young adults worldwide could be at risk of hearing loss. The researchers say one main reason is the use of smartphones and other devices with earbuds or headphones. 

Many kids think they don’t need to worry about protecting their hearing. 

“One myth about hearing loss is that only older people like grandma and grandpa get it. That’s not the case,” says Michele DiStefano. She’s an audiologist. That’s a doctor who specializes in hearing. She works at the Center for Hearing and Communication in New York City.

Earbuds and headphones have become more popular over time. Meanwhile, doctors say they’ve seen an increase in hearing damage among younger people. But there are some simple steps you can take to protect your ears.

Too Loud, Too Long

Even if you don’t crank up the volume to the highest level, there’s still a good chance you’re playing your music or video games too loudly. DiStefano warns that the louder the sound, the less time you should be exposed to it. 

Sound is measured in units called decibels (see “Sound Check”). Experts say listening to any sound louder than 85 decibels for prolonged periods can cause hearing damage. The 2022 study showed that it’s common for young people to listen to smartphones and other devices at 105 decibels. Listening to sounds that loud for even a few minutes a day can harm your ears. 

Doctors point out that for many people, hearing loss is gradual. The damage can come on so slowly that they don’t realize there’s a problem until it’s too late. And unfortunately, noise-related hearing loss can be permanent. 

You might not crank up the volume to the highest level. But there’s still a good chance you’re playing your music or video games too loudly. DiStefano warns that the louder the sound, the less time you should be exposed to it. 

Sound is measured in units called decibels (see “Sound Check”). Experts say listening to any sound louder than 85 decibels for prolonged periods is bad for you. It can cause hearing damage. The 2022 study showed that it’s common for young people to listen to smartphones and other devices at 105 decibels. Listening to sounds that loud can harm your ears. Even if it's just for a few minutes a day.

Doctors say that for many people, hearing loss is gradual. The damage can come on very slowly. Some people don’t even realize there’s a problem until it’s too late. And unfortunately, noise-related hearing loss can be permanent. 

Sound Advice

The good news is that you can often prevent hearing damage. Audiologists say a good way to avoid problems is to be smart about using headphones and earbuds. Here are some tips.

Ask a friend. “If somebody else can hear your music from your headphones, then that means it’s too loud,” explains DiStefano. 

Check your settings. Most smartphones and tablets allow you to set your headphones to a certain level. (On an iPhone, for example, the volume can be set to not go above 75 decibels.) These devices can also send notifications to alert you if the sound is too loud for too long. A parent can help you find these settings on your device. 

Find the right fit. A pair of headphones or earbuds that fits snugly will limit outside noise so you can hear your music better at lower volumes.

Take a break. Like every other part of your body, your ears need rest. That’s true even if you’re listening to headphones at a safe volume. DiStefano suggests using what’s called the 60/60 rule. Play your device at or below 60 percent of maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes per day. Then let your ears enjoy the quiet.

The good news is that you can often prevent hearing damage. Audiologists say a good way to avoid problems is to be smart about using headphones and earbuds. Here are some tips.

Ask a friend. “If somebody else can hear your music from your headphones, then that means it’s too loud,” explains DiStefano. 

Check your settings. Most smartphones and tablets allow you to set your headphones to a certain level. (On an iPhone, for example, the volume can be set to not go above 75 decibels.) These devices can also alert you if the sound is too loud for too long. A parent can help you find these settings on your device. 

Find the right fit. A pair of headphones or earbuds that fits snugly will limit outside noise. This will let you hear your music better at lower volumes.

Take a break. Your ears are like every other part of your body. They need rest. That’s true even if you’re listening to headphones at a safe volume. DiStefano suggests using what’s called the 60/60 rule. Play your device at or below 60 percent of maximum volume. Do this for no more than 60 minutes per day. Then let your ears enjoy the quiet.

Sound Check

This chart shows the decibel levels (dB) of some common sounds.

This chart shows the decibel levels (dB) of some common sounds.

140 dB: Jet aircraft taking off, from 100 feet away 

140 dB: Jet aircraft taking off, from 100 feet away 

120 dB: Nearby siren

120 dB: Nearby siren

110 dB: Maximum volume on a smartphone

110 dB: Maximum volume on a smartphone

100 dB: Football game in a stadium

100 dB: Football game in a stadium

85 dB: Risk of hearing damage starts here.

85 dB: Risk of hearing damage starts here.

80 dB: Hair dryer

80 dB: Hair dryer

60 dB: Normal conversation

60 dB: Normal conversation

30 dB: Soft whisper

30 dB: Soft whisper

Note: Decibel levels are approximate. Sources: Center for Hearing and Communication, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Note: Decibel levels are approximate. Sources: Center for Hearing and Communication, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1. What does the article describe as a myth about hearing loss?

2. Why do audiologists say it is important to find the right fit for headphones or earbuds?

3. What is the purpose of the sidebar, “Sound Check”?

1. What does the article describe as a myth about hearing loss?

2. Why do audiologists say it is important to find the right fit for headphones or earbuds?

3. What is the purpose of the sidebar, “Sound Check”?

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