In today’s world, music is more accessible than ever, and for many, headphones have become the go-to device for enjoying music, podcasts, and more. While listening to your favorite tunes can be enjoyable and relaxing, repeated exposure to loud sounds can lead to permanent hearing damage. Fortunately, noise-cancelling headphones can help protect your ears and provide a better listening experience. In this blog, we’ll explore how noise-cancelling headphones work, the risks of hearing damage, and how to use them safely.
Passive vs. Active Technology: The Battle Against Noise
One of the biggest threats to hearing health is noise exposure, especially in environments with loud, persistent sounds. In Redmond, WA, studies show that 1 in 5 people experience hearing loss, with noise exposure being the number one risk factor. Big events like concerts and sports games, exposure to construction equipment or power tools, and activities such as riding motorcycles or boats all pose a significant risk for long-term hearing damage. Even people who regularly listen to music with headphones or earbuds are vulnerable to noise-induced hearing loss.
Sound levels above 85 decibels (dB) can damage the sensory cells in your inner ear, leading to permanent hearing loss. A sudden exposure to loud music or noise over time can have a profound impact, especially when there’s no protection in place.
The Risks of Listening to Music with Headphones
Many people use headphones or earbuds to listen to music while commuting, working out, or during leisure time. However, prolonged use at high volumes can be damaging. Listening at high levels puts your ears at risk of permanent hearing loss, and once damage occurs, it’s irreversible.
The key to safe listening is managing the volume. Experts recommend keeping your headphone volume at 60% or lower of the maximum volume, especially when using earbuds or on-the-go headphones. If you’re in a noisy environment, it may be tempting to crank up the volume, but that only compounds the risk.
Fortunately, noise-cancelling headphones can be a helpful solution. By reducing the amount of external noise, these headphones allow you to enjoy music at a lower, safer volume.
Types of Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Passive vs. Active
Noise-cancelling headphones come in two main types: passive and active. Both offer protection, but they work in different ways.
Passive Noise-Cancelling Headphones:
These headphones use physical materials to block out environmental noise. They are essentially soundproofing headphones that prevent external sounds from reaching your ears. Passive noise-cancelling headphones are ideal for situations where there’s constant noise in the background, such as working in construction or other loud environments. The thick padding and noise-blocking design can significantly reduce the impact of loud surroundings.
Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones:
Active noise-cancelling headphones use sound-matching technology to reduce ambient noise. These headphones have built-in microphones that detect the surrounding noise, and then produce a sound wave that is the exact opposite (anti-phase) of the background noise. This creates a “cancellation” effect, allowing you to hear your music clearly without turning up the volume. Active noise-cancelling headphones are especially beneficial in quieter environments, such as offices or on airplanes, where you want to block out external sounds and focus on your music without increasing the volume.
Which Is Better: Passive or Active Noise-Cancelling?
Choosing between passive and active noise-cancelling headphones depends on your environment and needs. If you work in a noisy, high-volume occupation like construction or are exposed to loud machinery or tools, passive noise-cancelling headphones are a better choice. They will help shield your ears from constant, loud background noise. On the other hand, if you work in quieter environments, such as offices or public transport, active noise-cancelling headphones can be more effective. They’ll help block out background noise, allowing you to listen to music at a lower, safer volume.
Protect Your Hearing: The Importance of Regular Hearing Tests
Listening to music with headphones, especially at high volumes, can put your hearing at risk. The good news is that noise-cancelling headphones offer a safer listening experience, but it’s also essential to monitor your hearing health regularly.
If you’ve been exposed to loud sounds or frequently listen to music with headphones, it’s crucial to schedule regular hearing tests to catch early signs of hearing loss. At Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic, our audiologists can help you assess your hearing health and provide tips on protecting your ears from future damage. We have clinics located in Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond, WA.
Don’t wait for the damage to be done. Contact us today to schedule a hearing test and learn more about how to protect your hearing.