Earbuds are tiny speakers for your ears, so they can put you at risk of hearing loss.
Earbuds are a convenient way to listen to your favorite tunes on the go. But did you know that earbuds have the potential to damage your hearing? Earbuds are essentially tiny speakers that you wear inside your ears. While you don’t have to ditch your cans altogether, there are a few things you should be aware of before you go blasting a rock concert in your ears.
Hearing Damage
It may seem unusual because earbuds are so small, but believe it or not they can damage your ears as much as a chainsaw or motorcycle engine can. For comparison, a motorcycle engine can generate 100 decibels of sound, enough to start damaging a person’s ear after less than half an hour. Your smartphone at about 70% of its maximum volume produces 85 decibels. Prolonged exposure to very loud music or sounds can put you in real danger of hearing loss.
How It Happens
Your ear is made up of three main parts that assist you in processing sound: the inner ear, outer ear, and middle ear. Tiny hair cells in the inner ear, or cochlea, translate sound waves into signals that can be interpreted by the brain. Loud noise damages these cells, which interferes with your brain’s ability to receive sound. And unlike damage to other parts of your body, these cells don’t heal over time. That’s why it’s especially important to take precautions when it comes to your hearing.
What to Do
A lot of people don’t realize that they’re suffering from hearing loss because it is gradual. You might think that your hearing is still fine after you’ve stuffed very loud buds into your ears, but consistent exposure to loud sounds gradually chips away at your ability to hear. Ringing, buzzing, muffled or distorted sounds could be an early indication that you’re suffering from hearing loss. If you experience these symptoms it’s a good idea to call your doctor. Your doctor can examine your ears and determine whether you need to see an audiologist. Audiologists are able to conduct a more thorough test for hearing loss.
Hear Better with Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently-owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
Come in for a walk-in appointment on Tuesdays & Fridays from 10:00am to 11:30am, or contact us to schedule an appointment by calling 410-698-6594 or visiting our contact page. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, and LinkedIn for more blog posts, news, and updates!