What Is Tinnitus?
So, does headphones cause tinnitus? Noise-induced hearing loss is frequently associated with tinnitus. Tingling in one or both ears is called tinnitus because it doesn’t have an external source. Although each tinnitus is unique and can alter over time, most people describe it as a high-pitched ringing or hissing noise.
Several factors can produce tinnitus, including an ear infection or a blood sugar imbalance. Temporary and reversible tinnitus is common in many cases. SNHL, which can be caused by both aging and exposure to loud noise, is the most common cause of chronic tinnitus. The use of headphones and the manner in which you listen to music have a role in this. In this blog, we also have an article about how to choose best gaming headset that you might want to read about it.
Whether you’re chatting with your friends online or listening intently for the footsteps of your enemies, you’re going to need a good gaming headset.
Jon Scarr, author from Blog.bestBuy.ca
Does Headphones Cause Tinnitus
We all lose our hearing as we age, but straining our ears causes it to happen more quickly. Long-term exposure to extremely loud noises can cause permanent hearing damage (NIHL). Even when the same sound pressure is applied to your eardrums, headphones do not appear as loud as loudspeakers in your ears. Vibrations and other physical and spatial clues are lost when the sound is only heard by your ears. Since the volume can be increased with earbuds or in a noisy location, you may be inclined to do so. Every adult, adolescent, and child in today’s society may relate to this statement.
According to one research, over 60% of young people routinely use headphones, and 37% of those people crank up the volume on their headphones. A number of studies have found that wearing headphones can cause hearing loss. According to a Swedish study, nine-year-olds who listen to music with headphones several times a week have worse hearing than those who don’t. Hearing loss is on the rise among teens, which is not surprising.
Hearing loss and tinnitus can result from excessive usage of headphones at dangerous volumes. Tinnitus is twice as common in people with hearing loss as it is in people with normal hearing. Furthermore, this study by Oosterloo et al, confirmed that while hearing loss is age-dependent, tinnitus isn’t. Researchers have found no link between advancing years and an increased risk of tinnitus, presumably because hearing loss occurs over time. Tinnitus, on the other hand, may be more common when hearing loss occurs rapidly and the brain is unable to adapt to the abrupt lack of input.
Tinnitus is the term for hearing sounds that come from inside your body, rather than from an outside source. It’s often described as “ringing in the ears”, although several sounds can be heard, including: buzzing, humming, grinding, hissing, whistling
What Is The Maximum Permissible Volume?
Headphone loudness can reach 115dB(SPL), which is the equivalent of a rock concert when turned up. Hearing loss occurs within minutes at that volume. Do not play music at a volume that is too loud or long enough to cause tinnitus.
For adults, a volume of up to 80 dB (SPL) is considered safe, while regular pauses for your ears are recommended. Keep in aware that prolonged exposure to 89 dB(SPL) can result in NIHL. ASHA recommends a maximum noise level of 75dB for children (SPL). One hour a day is a good rule of thumb when it comes to audiobooks.
Maintaining a safe listening volume is difficult
When using over-the-ear headphones, a good rule of thumb is to keep the level at or below 70%. In-ear headphones (also known as earbuds) should be set to 60% loudness. Controlling the maximum volume on your phone is also possible through mobile apps or settings. Consider volume-limited headphones if you’re on the market for new headphones, which normally max out at 85dB. (SPL).
Can tinnitus be alleviated by wearing noise-cancellation headphones?
Headphones don’t create tinnitus unless the volume is excessively high. There is no tinnitus associated with the usage of active noise canceling (ANC) headphones. People are divided on whether noise-cancelling headphones can benefit those with tinnitus, though. The answer is “maybe,” but that’s a different question all together.
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I’m Roselyn T., a self-proclaimed tech geek on a mission to unravel the wonders of the digital realm. As a dedicated reviewer of computers and laptops, I share my insights and expertise on the latest tech trends and innovations on my blog, workrift.com. With a passion for demystifying the tech landscape, I not only offer in-depth reviews but also provide practical tips to navigate the ever-evolving world of technology. I’m also an author of the book “AP Computer Science A Premium, 2024: 6 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice (Barron’s AP)” which is sold on Amazon. Join me as we explore the exciting intersection of form and function in the realm of gadgets and gear.