April 03, 2025

Noise-Canceling Headphones: Silent Threat to Your Ears? - AI Podcast

9 minutes

Story at-a-glance

Noise-canceling headphones work by creating opposing sound waves to cancel outside noise, originally developed for pilots but now widely used in everyday life
These headphones offer benefits including stress reduction, improved focus and better sound quality at lower volumes, particularly in noisy environments, but they carry risks
Extended use may cause auditory processing difficulties as your brain becomes less adept at filtering background noise, leading to hearing issues despite normal hearing tests
Experts express concern that overuse could impair listening skills and your brain's ability to process environmental sounds
To minimize risks, follow the 60/60 rule (60% volume for 60 minutes), take regular breaks and use noise-canceling headphones selectively rather than constantly

...more

By Dr. Mercola

4.6

14671,467 ratings

April 03, 2025

9 minutes

Story at-a-glance

Noise-canceling headphones work by creating opposing sound waves to cancel outside noise, originally developed for pilots but now widely used in everyday life
These headphones offer benefits including stress reduction, improved focus and better sound quality at lower volumes, particularly in noisy environments, but they carry risks
Extended use may cause auditory processing difficulties as your brain becomes less adept at filtering background noise, leading to hearing issues despite normal hearing tests
Experts express concern that overuse could impair listening skills and your brain's ability to process environmental sounds
To minimize risks, follow the 60/60 rule (60% volume for 60 minutes), take regular breaks and use noise-canceling headphones selectively rather than constantly

...more