6 effects of headphones on your ears

Headphones are a daily essential in today’s world, especially among the young population. However, as enjoyable as the use of this device is, prolonged use at high volume can have a serious effect on your ears, thus affecting your hearing. 

Understanding the effects of headphones on your hearing will help you have an enjoyable experience while ensuring the safety of your ears. 

In this article are 6 effects of headphones on your ears. 

1. NIHL (Noise-Induced Hearing Loss)

NIHL is damage to the sensitive structures in the inner ear as a result of loud sounds that the ears are exposed to either for a brief period, or a long duration. Loud music or long exposure tends to make the hair cells bend down too much and severely, the extent of which can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss.

2. Tinnitus 

One of the major effects of headphones is Tinnitus. Tinnitus is the perception of sound that does not have an external source, so other people cannot hear it. 

You can experience tinnitus after being exposed to loud noise either through your headphones, in a workplace setting, or at a concert. 

READ ALSO: 8 factors to consider before buying headphones

3. Hyperacusis

Hyperacusis is a hearing disorder where sounds others perceive as normal seem uncomfortably and often unbearably loud for those affected.

It is observed that several persons suffering from tinnitus are prone to develop Hyperacusis.

4. Ear infections

Studies have shown a direct link between headphone use and an increased risk of ear infections. 

Frequent and constant use of headphones increases bacterial growth in the ear. 

5. Pain in the ears

Another effect of headphones is pain in the ears. Long-term usage of headphones as well as using poorly fit headphones can induce pain that can often extend to the inner ear as well. 

The louder the volume of your headphones, the bigger the strain on your eardrums, and the longer you wear headphones, the more your ears may hurt.

6. Effect on the brain

The auditory nerve, which carries sound signals to the brain, when constantly bombarded with loud noises from your headphones, starts transmitting weaker signals. This, in turn, forces the brain to work harder to interpret the sound, leading to cognitive overload, a precursor to dementia.

If you are a regular headphones user and have experienced any of these symptoms, you might want to consider cutting back and seeing an audiologist.