From the Guidelines
Using noise-canceling headphones for prolonged periods is generally safe for most people, with no significant negative health impacts when used appropriately. However, some users may experience minor issues like pressure sensations in the ears, mild dizziness, or headaches due to the technology's active noise cancellation, which creates anti-noise waves to neutralize ambient sounds. These symptoms typically resolve quickly when the headphones are removed. For ear health, it's recommended to follow the 60/60 rule: listen at no more than 60% of maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time, taking 5-10 minute breaks to prevent hearing damage 1.
Key Considerations
- Noise-canceling headphones may actually be beneficial in some contexts, as they allow users to listen at lower volumes in noisy environments, potentially reducing the risk of noise-induced hearing loss.
- They can also help reduce stress and improve concentration in loud settings.
- People with certain conditions like extreme motion sickness, significant ear pain, or balance disorders might want to use these headphones cautiously and discontinue use if symptoms worsen.
- The highest risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is related to exposures in the workplace, and affects about 7% of the population 1.
- Occupational NIHL is irreversible, thus its prevention must be considered a priority.
Prevention and Safety Measures
- Regular annual audiometric testing under hearing conservation programs (HCPs) is mandatory to all workers exposed to occupational noise which exceeds permissible levels 1.
- The monitoring of temporary threshold shift (TTS) incidents after exposure to noise is an alternative and quite promising approach to the prevention of permanent hearing loss.
- It's essential to develop personalized medical guidelines for the prevention of NIHL and to account for several NIHL risk factors other than these included in the ISO 1999:2013 model.
From the Research
Health Effects of Prolonged Noise Canceling Headphone Use
- There is limited direct evidence on the health effects of using noise canceling headphones for prolonged periods of time.
- However, studies have investigated the effects of noise canceling headphones on hearing loss and noise reduction 2, 3.
- A study published in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America found that noise canceling headphones can reduce the risk of hearing damage caused by high music listening levels in the presence of background noise 2.
- Another study published in The Laryngoscope found that high background noise attenuating earphones, such as noise canceling headphones, can help reduce comfortable listening levels and prevent music-induced hearing loss 3.
Hearing Loss and Noise Reduction
- Noise canceling headphones have been shown to reduce noise levels at mid- and high-frequencies, and further noise reductions can occur in low frequencies with the noise canceling system switched on 2.
- A study published in The Laryngoscope found that in-ear and supra-aural earphones, including noise canceling headphones, can reduce preferred listening levels and prevent music-induced hearing loss 3.
- However, there is no direct evidence on the long-term health effects of using noise canceling headphones for prolonged periods of time.
Alternative Studies on Hearing Loss
- Studies have investigated the use of internet-based hearing tests and self-administered hearing tests as screening tools for hearing ability 4, 5.
- A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that an internet-based hearing test can be a valid and useful screening tool for hearing ability in a large population 4.
- Another study published in The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology found that a self-administered hearing test using a self-fitting device can be an effective screening tool for mild to moderately severe hearing loss 5.
- A review article published in The Medical Clinics of North America discussed the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss, but did not specifically address the use of noise canceling headphones 6.