Use of a headset that is safe and does not damage hearing • hello healthy

The dangers of using a headset are often overlooked. You may be sure that the headset you are using is really healthy and safe for the ears. Unfortunately, as good, as good, and as safe as the quality guaranteed by the headset manufacturer that you buy, until now there is no single headset that can guarantee you will be free from ear disease. For more details, see the following explanation.

What are the dangers of headsets for ear health?

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that listening to music that is too big will make you lose your hearing. WHO reports that more than 1.1 million people aged 12-35 years are at risk of hearing loss because of this.

The headset produces sound waves that reach our ears, thus making the eardrums vibrate. These vibrations then spread to the inner ear through the small bones and reach the cochlea.

When they reach the cochlea, these vibrations cause the surrounding hair to move too. The stronger the vibration, the more hair moves.

Continuous and long-term exposure to loud music causes the hair cells to eventually lose their sensitivity to vibrations. Hair cells may or may not recover.

Although it can recover, the ear may not function normally which can lead to hearing loss or permanent deafness and is almost impossible to recover from.

That's why you need to know about the dangers of headsets for the health of your ears and hearing. The following are various dangers that may lurk you when wearing a headset:

1. NIHL (Noise-Induced Hearing Loss)

Danger in the form of NIHL or deafness from noise can occur not only because the volume on your headset is too loud, but also how long or how often you use it.

Research published in Noise & Health found that 10% of the 280 teens studied had a habit of listening to music through a headset for a long time, even while sleeping. This group is said to be more at risk of developing NIHL at a later date.

2. Tinnitus

Damaged cochlear hair cells can cause a ringing, buzzing, or roaring sound in your ears or head. This condition is called tinnitus.

The results of a study published in Noise & Health showed that adolescents who listened to music for more than 3 hours using a headset were more likely to experience tinnitus.

3. Hyperacussis

The Columbia Asia Hospital India website states that 50% of people suffering from tinnitus tend to develop a high sensitivity to sound in normal environments. This condition is called hyperakusis.

4. Hearing loss

As already mentioned, using a headset to listen to music loudly and for a long time can make hair cells more sensitive. This can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.

5. Ear infection

Another danger that can be caused by using a headset is ear infections. This is because a headset that is placed directly into the ear canal blocks airflow.

Wearing a headset can also increase bacterial growth. These germs may be left on the headset and will infect the user. The risk gets worse when you share your headset with someone else.

6. Dizziness

Increased pressure in the ear canal due to loud noises can also cause dizziness.

7. Earwax buildup

Using the headset for extended periods of time may also present another hazard, namely the buildup of earwax. If you already have this condition, you may experience other conditions, such as tinnitus, difficulty hearing, earaches, and ear infections.

8. Pain in the ear

Prolonged use of the headset and improper use may cause illness. This pain often extends to the inner ear, causing pain around the ear.

9. Effects on the brain

The electromagnetic waves generated by the headphones can cause problems for the brain in the long run. Ear infections can also affect the brain.

How to solve the dangers of using a headset?

You can avoid the dangers of the headset by taking simple steps, such as changing your habits. Here's the explanation:

1. Adjust volume and duration

WHO says there are two ways to reduce the danger of hearing loss when using a headset, namely:

• Reduces the length of time you listen to music using a headset.
• Decrease the volume when you listen to music with the headset.

Adjust the volume of your headset to no more than 70% louder. Additionally, you can perform the 60/60 rule.

This means that you listen to 60% of the volume for 60 minutes, then rest for 30 minutes or more to restore your ears and hearing.

2. Choose a headset over the earbuds

The earbuds can produce up to 9 decibels of volume louder than the headset. That will reduce your safe listening time from two hours to 15 minutes.

3. Choose a headset that can filter out the noise

Choose a headset that can filter out environmental noise. This is important if you like listening to music in a noisy environment, such as a highway. The reason is, you may often increase the volume without realizing it to hear more clearly.

4. Clean the headset regularly

Make sure to clean your headset once a week, especially after it has been exposed to perspiration or other use. Use a cotton ball dampened with alcohol, then wipe off any remaining dirt.

5. Put on the headset in the right position

Make sure your headset is snug, that is, it is snug and not too tight. If your ears feel uncomfortable or sore, it means that your headset is not in the correct position. Immediately loosen or use a different type of headset.

6. Do not use the headset in noisy places

Do not use a headset when walking, cycling, or driving if you do not want to be in danger. However, if you really want, you can wear the headset on one ear only.

Alternatively, you can use a bone conduction headset that is placed behind your ear. With this tool, you can listen to music and stay aware of everything around you.