In today’s digital era, earbuds and wireless headphones have become inseparable companions—whether it’s for online meetings, gym workouts, or simply relaxing with music. However, ENT specialists across India are warning that excessive and unsafe earbud use can silently damage your hearing.
Renowned ENT & Head-Neck Surgeon Prof. Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty, from MGM Healthcare, Chennai—now consulting at SimpleeKare Hospital, Bhubaneswar—explains why your favorite music accessory might be doing more harm than good, and what you can do to protect your ears.
The Invisible Danger of Overusing Earbuds
Earbuds sit deep inside the ear canal, delivering sound directly near the eardrum. While this creates a rich audio experience, it also exposes the inner ear to high-intensity sound pressure.
Dr. Mohanty explains,
“When you use earbuds at high volume for long durations, you expose your inner ear to continuous loud sound waves. This damages the delicate hair cells responsible for hearing clarity—and once damaged, these cells do not regenerate.”
Over time, this leads to noise-induced hearing loss, a form of permanent damage that can affect people even in their 20s or 30s. Unlike age-related hearing loss, this type develops silently and is often irreversible.
How Loud Is Too Loud?
A simple rule applies here: if someone standing next to you can hear your music, it’s too loud.
Medical studies have shown that listening to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) for more than 8 hours a day can damage hearing. However, most smartphones and earbuds can reach up to 100–110 dB, which is enough to cause ear injury in less than 30 minutes.
Dr. Mohanty advises following the 60/60 rule:
– Listen at no more than 60% volume
– Limit continuous use to 60 minutes at a stretch
– Allow your ears a few minutes of quiet before resuming
He also recommends noise-cancelling or over-ear headphones instead of earbuds, as they block external noise more effectively without requiring high volume levels.
Common ENT Problems Caused by Earbuds
Regular or improper use of earbuds can cause a range of ear, nose, and throat problems, many of which people ignore until symptoms worsen.
1. Wax Build-up and Ear Blockage – Earbuds prevent natural airflow in the ear canal, trapping earwax.
2. Fungal and Bacterial Infections – Trapped moisture and sweat can lead to infections.
3. Hearing Fatigue and Tinnitus – Continuous listening overstimulates auditory nerves.
4. Eardrum Sensitivity and Pain – Sound pressure can cause eardrum thinning.
5. Balance and Concentration Issues – Loud exposure can affect the vestibular system.
Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty’s Safe Listening Recommendations
– Use over-ear headphones instead of earbuds
– Keep volume below 60%
– Take regular breaks
– Avoid noisy environments where you increase volume
– Clean earbuds regularly and don’t share them
– Consult an ENT if ear pain or ringing persists
When to See an ENT Specialist
Consult an ENT if you experience:
– Persistent ear ringing or buzzing
– Sudden hearing reduction
– Ear infections or pain
– Balance disturbances
At SimpleeKare Hospital, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar, you can book a consultation with Prof. Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty for expert ENT evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can earbuds cause permanent hearing loss?
Yes. Prolonged exposure to loud volumes can damage the sensory cells permanently.
Q2: Are wireless earbuds safer than wired ones?
Not necessarily. The risk lies in volume and duration, not technology.
Q3: What’s the best alternative to earbuds?
Over-ear or noise-cancelling headphones.
Q4: How often should I get my ears checked?
Once a year, especially for daily earbud users.
Q5: Can children use earbuds safely?
Ideally no. Use child-safe volume limits and prefer speakers.
Visit SimpleeKare Hospital for Expert ENT Care
SimpleeKare Hospital continues its mission to bring metro-level healthcare to Odisha by hosting specialists like Dr. Mohanty.
Date: Sunday, 16th November 2025 (SUNDAY)
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: SimpleeKare Hospital, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar
Booking: 6371966229 / 9840131091
Website: www.simpleekare.com
Conclusion:
Protect Your Ears—They Deserve Care
Earbuds can be a source of joy, but overuse turns them into a source of irreversible damage.
Listen wisely, get regular ENT check-ups, and follow safe listening habits shared by Dr. Mohanty.