Do headphones or earbuds increase your risk of hearing loss?

Written by:
Written by:
June 1, 2025

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 quiet ones can still cause damage over time. For example, iPod earbuds at 100% volume on an iPhone can hit noise levels of 112dB for the wearer, leading to hearing damage in minutes. The same earbuds at 60% volume measure approximately 80 dB, which makes them safe to listen to for several hours.

Up Next
How do I apply for ACC Funded Hearing Aids?
Written by:
Is there such a thing as being too old to start hearing treatment?
Read article
How do I know if I've got hearing problems?
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
What is Meniere's Disease?
Read article
How often should I check my hearing?
Read article
What is Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL)?
Read article
Why is it hard to hear people with accents?
Read article
Why does it sound like people are mumbling?
Read article
What is a "free" hearing test vs an Ear360?
Read article
Why does it sound like people are mumbling?
Read article
Do I lose hearing each year?
Read article
Perforated Eardrum: Causes, Symptoms & Healing Time
Read article
What is Hyperacusis?
Read article
Why do I hear my wife/husband/partner better than other people?
Read article
What should I do if I wake up and my hearing is different?
Read article
Is it really such a big deal if I don't treat my hearing loss?
Read article
Is there such a thing as being too old to start hearing treatment?
Read article

Do headphones or earbuds increase your risk of hearing loss?

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