| schema:text
| - Last Updated on July 10, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
An Instagram post claims earbuds and headphones are making people deaf, according to a WHO report. We did a fact check to term it as Half True.
The Claim
We came across an Instagram post which suggests that the widespread use of earbuds and headphones is causing hearing loss, affecting about 43 crore (430 million) people worldwide, according to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Fact Check
Is there a WHO report supporting this claim?
Yes, the WHO has highlighted concerns regarding hearing loss and its various causes, including the improper use of earbuds and headphones. The report estimates that over one billion young people worldwide are at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices, including the use of personal audio devices. This report says that 1.5 billion people are dealing with hearing loss, and 430 million of them have moderate or higher levels of hearing loss. But, this cannot be attributed to earphones and headphones alone. It includes all kinds of factors responsible for hearing loss. Also, it is long-term exposure to high levels of sound that poses a problem, careful usage will not harm you.
Are there other contributing factors to global hearing loss?
Hearing loss is a multifactorial condition. Besides the improper use of earbuds and headphones, other major contributing factors include:
- Genetic predisposition: Many individuals have a hereditary risk for hearing loss.
- Infections: Diseases like measles, mumps, and meningitis can cause hearing loss.
- Birth complications: Low birth weight, asphyxia, and severe jaundice can impact hearing.
- Ageing: Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, is common among the older people.
- Ototoxic medications: Certain medications are known to cause permanent hearing damage. These generally include aminoglycoside antibiotics like gentamicin (especially if there’s a family history) and chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin and carboplatin.
Do earbuds and headphones cause hearing loss?
Well yes, they may. The WHO report confirms that the potential for hearing loss due to earbuds and headphones is real, particularly when these devices are used improperly. Prolonged exposure to high volumes can damage the delicate hair cells in the ear, leading to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The WHO has issued guidelines on safe listening practices to minimise these risks. Earphones or earbuds can also trap moisture and heat, and this creates a favourable environment for the bacteria to grow. So be mindful of that too while using your audio devices, and ensure cleanliness. Regular cleaning of these devices and lowering the volume to 60% reduces these risks significantly.
What do the experts say about the use of earbuds/earphones or headphones?
We sought valuable information from Dr Anupam Kanodia, ENT and Sleep Apnea Consultant, Dr Kanodia’s Clinic, Jaipur. He states, “The widespread and unregulated use of recreational sound (earphones, headphones, or loud music) has been proven to cause early onset hearing loss in the unsuspecting young and middle-aged population. I recommend everyone review the ‘safe hearing practices’ issued by the WHO. You can also take a hearing test using the WHO hearing screening app (hearWHO). Earbuds can be unsafe for your ears and come with a warning not to be used inside the ear canal, as they can potentially traumatise your ear. However, there is not strong proven literature implicating their role in hearing loss.”
We also approached Dr Nitish Aggarwal, a Senior Resident in the E.N.T. Dept at Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College and Hospital in Delhi, for his take on the use of personal audio devices. He says, “Long-term use of earphones can cause noise-induced hearing loss as cochlear hair cells get desensitised and damaged from repeated loud sounds. They can also spread infections due to poor sanitation and increase earwax production. While headphones are relatively safer, they can still harm the eardrum due to their proximity. Noise-induced hearing loss can also result from industrial sounds, machinery, traffic, and DJs.”
Even when the improper use of earbuds and headphones can lead to hearing loss, they are not the sole cause. To protect your hearing, it is essential to follow safe listening practices: keep the volume below 60% of the maximum, limit usage to 60 minutes at a time, and use noise-cancelling headphones to avoid turning up the volume in noisy environments.
Hearing loss can result from various factors, including genetics, infections, ageing, and certain medications. Therefore, attributing the global burden of hearing loss solely to earbuds and headphones is misleading.
What is the safe volume limit for earbuds and headphones?
WHO guidelines suggest that the maximum safe listening volume for personal audio devices is around 85 decibels (dB) for a maximum of 8 hours a day. However, most earbuds and headphones can exceed this limit, especially if used at full volume. Therefore, it’s necessary to maintain low volume and take regular breaks to prevent likely damage to hearing.
How common is hearing loss from earbuds and headphones?
The WHO report indicates that more than 49 million people between the ages of 12 and 35 live with disabling hearing loss due to various causes. Among teenagers and young adults in middle- and high-income countries, nearly 25% are exposed to unsafe levels of sound from personal audio devices. This suggests that a significant portion of hearing loss in this age group can be attributed to the improper use of earbuds and headphones. Additionally, around 50% of this demographic group is exposed to potentially damaging sound levels at clubs, discotheques, and bars.
Having said all that, we still need more conclusive research suggesting that earphones alone can cause hearing loss. There is still paucity of literature on this particular topic. Listening to loud sounds can result in temporary hearing loss or tinnitus. And, a prolonged exposure can eventually cause permanent hearing loss. So, you should always consult an ENT specialist in case you experience any issues with your hearing.
Conclusion
The claim that earbuds and headphones are solely responsible for making 43 crore people deaf is an oversimplification and misrepresentation of a complex issue. Improper use of these devices can contribute to hearing damage. But, it is not the sole cause of the global hearing loss burden. The WHO report indicates that unsafe listening practices, including the use of personal audio devices, are a significant risk factor, but hearing loss has multiple causes.
Public health initiatives should focus on promoting safe listening practices, addressing all potential risk factors, and providing comprehensive hearing care to mitigate the impact of hearing loss globally. For individuals, adopting safe listening habits, such as keeping the volume down, taking regular breaks, and using noise-cancelling headphones, can significantly reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Be cautious about health-related claims on social media, as they often lack scientific backing and can lead to unnecessary fear or inappropriate actions. Always seek advice from healthcare professionals for accurate information on hearing health.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
|
![[RDF Data]](/fct/images/sw-rdf-blue.png)
![[cxml]](/fct/images/cxml_doc.png)
![[csv]](/fct/images/csv_doc.png)
![[text]](/fct/images/ntriples_doc.png)
![[turtle]](/fct/images/n3turtle_doc.png)
![[ld+json]](/fct/images/jsonld_doc.png)
![[rdf+json]](/fct/images/json_doc.png)
![[rdf+xml]](/fct/images/xml_doc.png)
![[atom+xml]](/fct/images/atom_doc.png)
![[html]](/fct/images/html_doc.png)