Cell phones have quickly become an integral part of everyone’s lives. We use them to keep in touch with family, write grocery lists, and listen to music on the go. However, they may also be causing significant health issues. Cell phones may be so detrimental to your auditory health that you may require a hearing aid in the future. Here’s what you should know about how they are affecting your hearing and steps you can take to protect it.

How Hearing is Affected by Cell Phone Use 

Are Cell Phones Linked to Hearing Loss?

Most American adults own a cell phone. However, that means many of those individuals are at risk of developing hearing loss. One study found that, compared to people who don’t use cell phones at all, people who regularly use their phones are more likely to develop high-frequency hearing loss. Just 60 minutes a day of listening to music or talking on the phone significantly increases your risk of losing some part of your hearing in the years to come, which also increases your need for a hearing aid in the future. 

The problem is made even worse when cell phone users utilize headphones with their phones. Many people use headphones to combat the sounds of everyday life, hoping that earbuds or over-ear headphones will keep outside noise at bay. However, most headphones don’t reduce external noise, encouraging you to turn the music up to unhealthy levels to block out sound. 

How to Protect Your Hearing 

Protecting your hearing is essential, as high-frequency hearing loss can make understanding speech and higher voices difficult. You may even require a hearing aid if your hearing loss is severe enough. To protect your hearing while using your phone, try opting for speakerphone during phone calls. If you plan on using headphones, keep the volume low. Finally, keep calls short and communicate through text or in person whenever possible. 

Anthony Durig Audiology in Stow, OH, offers comprehensive hearing protection care, from hearing aid fitting and amplifiers to hearing testing, along with other audiology services. Their comfortable atmosphere and state-of-the-art equipment provide accurate diagnostics, and if you need a hearing aid, they’ll match you with a variety of devices to match your needs and style. Call (330) 688-4115 today to learn more about their comprehensive approach to treatment.