What happened to those who wore headphones all year round?

What happened to those who wore headphones all year round?

In modern society, headphones have become a "standard feature" for almost everyone. Whether it's commuting, studying, working, or exercising, headphones can create an exclusive audio world for us. However, is it really safe to wear headphones all year round?

1. The harm of wearing headphones for a long time

Hearing loss Long-term use of headphones, especially when the volume is too high, can cause irreversible damage to hearing. Sound is transmitted to the cochlear hair cells in the inner ear through the eardrum and auditory ossicles, and the hair cells convert the vibrations into nerve signals to the brain. However, excessive volume can cause the eardrum and auditory ossicles to vibrate violently, damaging the cochlear hair cells. These hair cells are nerve cells, and once they die, they cannot regenerate, resulting in permanent hearing loss. In addition, a report from the World Health Organization shows that about 1.1 billion young people worldwide are at risk of permanent hearing loss due to long-term loud listening to music.

Increased risk of ear diseases Wearing headphones for a long time, especially in-ear headphones, increases the risk of ear infections. The headphones are in close contact with the auricle and external auditory canal, which can easily cause skin damage and increase humidity, thus creating conditions for the growth of bacteria and fungi. Common ear diseases include ear canal furuncle, external otitis and cerumen embolism. In addition, cross-use of headphones increases the risk of pathogen transmission.

The widespread use of noise-canceling headphones has also brought new problems. Studies have shown that long-term reliance on noise-canceling headphones to block background noise may cause the brain to gradually "forget" how to filter sounds independently, thus causing auditory processing disorder (APD). This disorder affects the brain's ability to understand sounds and language, and there is currently no cure.

Other health risks: Long-term exposure to high-decibel sound environments will not only cause tinnitus and hearing loss, but may also cause a series of other health problems, such as ischemic heart disease, hypertension, sleep disorders, emotional distress, and cognitive impairment.

2. Correct posture and suggestions for wearing headphones

When using headphones, keep the volume within a safe range. Generally speaking, the volume should not exceed 60% of the device's maximum volume, and avoid turning the volume up too high in a noisy environment.

Limit the usage time. Wearing headphones for a long time will put pressure on the eardrum and ear canal. It is recommended that you use headphones for no more than 60 minutes each time and let your ears rest every once in a while.

Choosing the right headphones

In-ear headphones: Although they have good sound insulation, they can easily increase the risk of ear canal infection. It is recommended to choose products of good quality and safe materials, and clean them regularly.

Headphones: Compared with in-ear headphones, they put less pressure on the ear canal, but wearing them for a long time can also cause ear fatigue. It is recommended to choose lightweight and breathable styles.

Bone conduction headphones: They conduct sound through the skull, do not enter the ear, and cause less damage to the ear canal and eardrum, making them a healthier choice.

Keep your headphones clean. Headphones are a breeding ground for bacteria. It is recommended to clean them regularly, especially the earplugs. Avoid sharing headphones with others to reduce the risk of spreading pathogens.

Pay attention to hearing health If you experience tinnitus, hearing loss or other ear discomfort symptoms, you should stop using headphones immediately and seek medical attention in time. In addition, regular hearing tests can help detect potential problems early.

Avoid using in dangerous environments. Try to avoid using headphones while walking, driving, or riding a bike to avoid affecting your perception of the surrounding environment and increasing safety risks.

Headphones bring us convenience and a pleasant audio experience, but over-reliance and improper use may have serious consequences for health. Only by using headphones properly and protecting hearing can we enjoy the wonderful sounds of the world.