Earbuds, Headphones And Bone-Conduction Devices: Which Offers Greater Hearing Safety?

Earbuds, headphones or bone-conduction devices - which is better for your ears? The answer lies in how you listen.

Prolonged exposure to loud sounds through personal audio devices can increase the risk of permanent hearing damage

Source : Pexel

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Key points generated by AI, verified by newsroom

• Experts state listening habits, not device type, impact hearing.
• Earbuds risk hearing due to proximity; headphones offer isolation.
• Bone-conduction offers awareness; high volume still harms internal hearing.
• WHO advises limiting volume, frequent breaks, using noise-cancelling.

Personal audio devices are now a daily need, whether you're driving, working out or just relaxing with your favourite music playing on them. However, as the number of young people experiencing hearing issues rises, one question remains: Are bone-conduction devices safer than earbuds or are earbuds more dangerous than headphones? According to experts, listening habits are more important than the device itself.

Are Earbuds More Harmful Than Headphones?

Unlike over-ear headphones, earbuds are positioned directly inside the ear canal, bringing the sound source closer to the eardrum. If the earbud is put too deeply, its length, shape and pressure may affect the eardrum and the ear canal. Since it's a part of their cleaning regimen, most people find it difficult to discontinue this typical behaviour.

Although this isn't inherently risky, many people have a tendency to turn up the volume, particularly in noisy settings. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that extended exposure to loud noises can cause irreversible noise-induced hearing loss by irreversibly harming the inner ear's sensory hair cells.

Conversely, over-ear headphones allow users to listen comfortably at lower volumes because they offer superior passive or active noise isolation. Regardless of the kind of audio equipment being used, reducing the noise level is one of the best strategies to preserve long-term hearing, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Bone-Conduction Headphones: Are They Really Safer?

Bone-conduction devices, in contrast to traditional headphones, send sound waves through the cheekbones instead of the ear canal, leaving the ear canal accessible to ambient sounds. Because of this, they are especially helpful for cyclists, runners and pedestrians who have to pay attention to traffic. Bone-conduction technology does not, however, shield users from hearing impairment and sweat build-ups; their impact on ear health might be the least due to their design for audio transmission, according to specialists at the UK-based Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID). Long-term exposure can still impair hearing if the sound that reaches the inner ear is very loud.

While noise-cancelling headphones diminish background noise, users are less inclined to turn up the volume to compete with other noises. One of the best ways to avoid noise-induced hearing loss is to limit exposure to dangerous noise levels, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Thus, active noise cancellation can provide an extra degree of hearing protection for commuters and regular travellers.

According to the WHO, over one billion young people globally are at risk of developing hearing loss due to risky listening habits, including personal audio devices and noise exposure during leisure activities. The WHO advises limiting continuous listening sessions, taking frequent pauses, using noise-cancelling capabilities instead of raising the volume and keeping the volume below 60 per cent of the device's maximum level in order to lower this risk.

Protect Your Hearing: Know the Warning Signs

Early warning indicators of hearing damage include persistent ringing in the ears (tinnitus), muted hearing after taking off headphones, trouble following conversations in noisy settings and regularly turning up the volume on your phone or television. As early action may help avoid further worsening, the UK National Health Service (NHS) advises anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek medical evaluation.

No personal audio equipment is completely risk-free, whether you utilise bone-conduction devices, over-ear headphones or earbuds. Safe listening practices are significantly more important to hearing health than the equipment itself. The best strategies for long-term hearing preservation continue to be moderate volume control, frequent listening breaks and avoiding extended exposure to loud noises.

Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is shared by experts and is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.