Whether you prefer curated playlists or riveting podcasts, listening to audio through headphones is one of the easiest ways to relax or pass the time. However, with so many hours spent plugged-in, it’s more than possible to damage your hearing. If you’re hoping to continue enjoying this form of entertainment while prioritizing hearing protection, review the following tips.

3 Ways to Protect Your Hearing When Using Headphones

1. Choose Noise-Canceling Models

As a regular headphone user, you’ve probably been tapped on the shoulder once or twice by a friend who claimed they could hear what you were listening to. Unfortunately, this is one of the dangers of standard headphones. In loud environments, we have to turn up the volume to overcompensate for surrounding noise, resulting in unsafe listening levels. Noise-canceling headphones are designed to block out your environment, so you can keep the volume at a reasonable level that won’t damage your hearing or bother those around you.

2. Start at Zero

When you first enter a concert stadium, the music seems unbearably loud, but you eventually adapt to the volume. While your ears can recover from the occasional concert, recreating the same experience daily while using headphones will damage your hearing. Before you start a song, lower the volume on your device to the lowest setting. Then, gradually raise the bar until you’re comfortable with the level. This way, you don’t start louder than necessary and force your ears to adjust.

3. Limit Your Listening

Many people consider listening to music a necessity, whether on a run or while riding the train home from work. However, it’s crucial to choose a time when music is most important to you. Listening throughout the workday, on the way home, and then for a couple of hours at the gym will damage your hearing. Experts suggest the 80/90 rule for avid headphone users: those who listen at 80% of the maximum volume on their device should not exceed 90 minutes of listening per day. 

If you’ve been using headphones for years and are hoping to protect yourself from further hearing damage, turn to Anthony Durig Audiology of Stow and Niles, OH. This trusted audiologist uses cutting-edge technology to test their patients’ hearing, and they will devise a treatment plan to fit your needs and budget. To learn more about their clinic, like them on Facebook, or call (330) 688-4115 to schedule an appointment.