It may be your compulsion to wear headphones or earphones continuously or it may have become your habit now, but it is a risk factor for your ears, neck and brain. To avoid these, you have to take care of some things.
In today’s fast-paced life, earphones and headphones have become an integral part of our daily lives. Be it listening to music, talking on calls, or joining Zoom meetings while working from home, these gadgets have become essential for us. People use earphones and headphones during their work, calls, music streaming, watching videos and even during virtual or social media use.
Although these devices provide a better audio experience, they can also have disadvantages with prolonged and excessive use. Side effects of their long-term use include not only hearing loss, but also auditory processing problems, ear infections, neurological effects, and even psychological consequences. Let us know the side effects of using earphones (Earphone side effects) and ways to reduce them (How to reduce earphone side effects).
Side effects of continuous use of earphones (Earphone side effects)
1 hearing loss
Using earphones or headphones for a long time can affect our hearing ability. Listening to music, especially at loud volumes, can damage the delicate fibers inside the ears, causing permanent hearing problems.
Experts recommend keeping the volume at a maximum of 60% and taking breaks every hour to protect your hearing. Nevertheless, many individuals sometimes find it necessary to turn up the volume to block out ambient noise, putting themselves at risk of harmful sound levels.
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2 ear infections
Continuous use of earphones and headphones also increases the risk of ear infections. If they are not cleaned regularly, they can cause bacteria and fungus to grow, causing itching, pain, and infection in the ears.
3 Effects on the nervous system
Evidence is beginning to suggest that long-term use of loud headphone audio may have neurological effects. Research indicates that loud sounds can overstimulate neurons in the auditory cortex, which is the area of ​​the brain that handles sound processing. This excessive stimulation can lead to fatigue, decreased concentration and, ultimately, high levels of anxiety or stress.
4 tinnitus
Another common result of excessive headphone use is tinnitus, a persistent ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. This condition results from excessive stimulation of the auditory nerve, which interprets sound signals. Although tinnitus can be caused by different causes, exposure to loud noises is a significant factor.
The effects of tinnitus are not limited to those related to hearing only. As time goes on, persistent tinnitus can disturb sleep habits, increase anxiety and result in mood swings or depression, affecting a person’s overall well-being.
5 Social isolation and effects on mental health
Sometimes excessive use of earphones can make a person feel disconnected from the world around him. Constantly being immersed in earphones can lead to social isolation, stress, and negative effects on mental health.
6 Personal Safety Threat
Using headphones while walking on the road or driving can be a major safety hazard. Ignoring external sounds increases the risk of accidents.
7 Physical Stress: Neck and Head Pain
Prolonged use of bulky over-ear headphones can cause physical discomfort, especially in the neck and upper back. Incorrect posture while listening as well as excess weight on the head can cause muscle stiffness and headaches.
Over time, ongoing stress can result in long-lasting pain, tension headaches and discomfort that may require medical intervention or physical therapy.
Precautions to prevent earphone side effects (How to reduce earphone side effects)
Control sound level: Do not keep the volume on earphones more than 60%.
Take a break: Take a 10-minute break after every hour of use.
Take care of cleanliness: Clean the earphones regularly.
Use open-air earphones: Which allows even external sounds to be heard.
Take care of body posture: If you want to reduce earphone side effects, maintaining good posture while wearing them and taking breaks can reduce stress on the neck and head.
remember
Earphones and headphones have brought convenience in our lives, but the dangers caused by their misuse cannot be ignored. To reduce earphone side effects (How to reduce earphone side effects), we can protect our health by using them properly. Applying a balanced approach to listening, using protective gear, and regularly cleaning earbuds are beneficial methods.
Also read – If you are having pain in the ear due to ear infection, then know some home remedies from the expert.
