Why experts advise patients to be cautious when using earbuds

Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the earbuds after use, and avoid sharing them with others to prevent the spread of infections.

By: Lifestyle Desk

3 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Apr 25, 2023 11:42 AM IST

Earbuds should be used with caution (Source: Pixabay)

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Why experts advise patients to be cautious when using earbuds

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Do you ever feel like the world around you is too loud or distracting to truly enjoy your favourite tunes? That’s where earbuds — the tiny marvels that fit snugly into your ears and transport you to your own private world of sound — come in. With earbuds, you can enjoy your favourite album or podcast, no matter where you are or what’s going on around you. They’re the perfect companion for a long commute, a workout, or just a quiet moment with yourself.

But, are they safe to use for your ears? Dr Ankush Sayal, Senior Consultant and HOD ENT, Primus Super Speciality Hospital said that he would advise his patients to be cautious when using earbuds. “While they can be a convenient way to listen to music or make calls, overuse or improper use can lead to health problems,” he said, adding that listening to music at high volumes for an extended period can cause permanent damage to ears and lead to hearing loss.

Dr Sayal said that earbuds can also block out surrounding sounds, making it dangerous to use them while driving or crossing roads. “Additionally, sharing earbuds with others can spread infections, so it’s important to keep them clean and avoid sharing,” the expert said.

Overuse or improper use can lead to health problems (Source: Pixabay)

Agreeing with their potential danger, Dr Shuchin Bajaj, Founder Director, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals said that while earbuds are generally safe to use, there are some risks associated with their usage. “The main concern is the potential for hearing damage, especially if they are used at high volumes for extended periods of time. The proximity of the earbuds to the ear canal can also increase the risk of ear infections, especially if they are shared with others or not cleaned properly. Additionally, some people may experience discomfort or irritation from wearing earbuds for extended periods of time,” he said.

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The experts also listed some dos and don’ts regarding the use of earbuds.

Dos

*A good rule of thumb is to listen at 60 per cent of the maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes a day.
*Give your ears a rest by taking regular breaks to avoid ear fatigue and reduce the risk of long-term hearing loss.
*Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the earbuds after use, and avoid sharing them with others to prevent the spread of infections.
*Use earbuds that fit comfortably in your ears and do not cause discomfort or irritation.
*Use noise-cancelling earbuds to reduce the need for higher volumes in noisy environments.

Don’ts

*Don’t listen to music at high volume for an extended period.
*Don’t use earbuds while driving or crossing roads.
*Don’t share earbuds with others.

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