Do headphones or earbuds increase your risk of hearing loss?

Written by:
Written by:
January 7, 2026
Written by:
Reviewed by:
Blog length:
 min read
Published:
April 17, 2023

Yes. Listening with headphones or earbuds at a moderate volume can damage your hearing over time. Ears can be damaged by the loudness of a noise, but also by the length of exposure. Louder noises cause hearing damage much faster than quieter ones, but quieter ones can still cause damage over time. For example, some earbuds at 100% volume on an iPhone can hit noise levels of 112dB for the wearer, leading to hearing damage in minutes. At 60% volume, the same earbuds measure approximately 80 dB, which is safe for several hours of listening.

Up Next
How do I apply for ACC Funded Hearing Aids?
Written by:
How do I know if I've got hearing problems?
Read article
What is Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL)?
Read article
I know I have a hearing loss but it’s mild, should I wait till it gets worse before addressing it?
Read article
Is it really such a big deal if I don't treat my hearing loss?
Read article
How often should I check my hearing?
Read article
My family member can't hear well. What should I do?
Read article
I can hear people when it's quiet but not when it's noisy. Why?
Read article
Why does it sound like people are mumbling?
Read article
Why is it hard to hear people with accents?
Read article
Why do people find some sounds unbearably loud while others don't?
Read article
Aural Fullness and Ear Blockage: When Your Ear Feels “Plugged Up
Read article
What is Hyperacusis?
Read article
What is Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL)?
Read article
What should I do if I wake up and my hearing is different?
Read article
How often should I check my hearing?
Read article
Is there such a thing as being too old to start hearing treatment?
Read article
Is it really such a big deal if I don't treat my hearing loss?
Read article

Do headphones or earbuds increase your risk of hearing loss?

Written by:
Reviewed by:
Blog length:
 min read
Published:
April 17, 2023
Updated:
January 7, 2026
Summary
No items found.
Summary
No items found.
Share this post
Audiologist