30/03/2026
π§ Are your earbuds damaging your hearing?
Most people don't notice hearing damage until it's already done.
Here are 3 early warning signs to watch for:
1. Ringing after you take them out β even briefly. That buzz or hiss is tinnitus, and it's your ears telling you they're stressed.
2. Turning the volume up more than you used to. If you need it louder to get the same clarity, your hearing has already changed.
3. Muffled hearing after a listening session. Sounds should return to normal immediately. If they don't, your ears are overworked.
The fix doesn't mean ditching your earbuds. Try the 60/60 rule β no more than 60% volume for 60 minutes at a time β and make sure your earbuds fit well so you're not compensating with extra volume.
Already noticing these signs? It's worth getting a hearing check. Damage is permanent, but catching it early means you can prevent further loss.
π Give us a call or pop into the Papatoetoe clinic for a check.
Source:
Because noise-canceling earbuds are so comfortable and block everything out, people wear them for three, four, five hours straight without realizing the cumulative effect on their ears.