The amount of time you should keep headphones in depends on a few factors, including the following:
- The type of headphones: Some headphones are designed to be worn for extended periods of time, while others are not. For example, in-ear headphones are not designed to be worn for long periods of time, as they can put pressure on the ear canal.
- The volume level: The louder the volume, the more likely it is that you will damage your hearing. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends keeping the volume below 85 decibels (dB) to protect your hearing.
- The individual: Some people are more sensitive to noise than others. If you find that your ears start to hurt or feel uncomfortable after wearing headphones for a certain amount of time, it is best to take a break.
As a general rule of thumb, it is best to avoid wearing headphones for more than two hours at a time. If you need to wear headphones for longer periods of time, take breaks every 30 minutes or so to let your ears rest.
Here are some additional tips for protecting your hearing when using headphones:
- Keep the volume low: The louder the volume, the more likely it is that you will damage your hearing.
- Take breaks: Take breaks every 30 minutes or so to let your ears rest.
- Avoid using headphones in noisy environments: Noise from the environment can make it even harder to protect your hearing.
- Choose the right type of headphones: Some headphones are designed to be worn for extended periods of time, while others are not.
- Be aware of your individual sensitivity to noise: Some people are more sensitive to noise than others.
By following these tips, you can protect your hearing and enjoy listening to your favorite music and audio without damaging your ears.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about how long you should keep headphones in:
- Children: Children are more susceptible to hearing damage than adults. The WHO recommends that children under the age of 12 should keep the volume below 80 dB.
- Earbuds: Earbuds are not designed to be worn for long periods of time. They can put pressure on the ear canal and can also block out ambient noise, which can make it difficult to hear important sounds.
- Noise-canceling headphones: Noise-canceling headphones can help to protect your hearing by blocking out ambient noise. However, they can also make it difficult to hear important sounds.
It is important to listen to your body and take breaks when you need them. If your ears start to hurt or feel uncomfortable, take a break from using headphones. You can also try using different types of headphones or adjusting the volume.
