WASHINGTON — Doctors are noting a growing number of hearing and infection issues related to the increasingly common practice of listening to music and having conversations via earbuds.
“If you’re listening to music and you can’t hear someone talking to you, it’s too loud,” said Dr. Selena Heman-Ackah, an otologist and neurotologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
Modern earbuds can project sounds at 120 decibels, Heman-Ackah said, and permanent damage to your inner ear can begin after fewer than 30 minutes of exposure to 110 decibels.
“That can [cause] ringing in the ear and progressive hearing loss,” Heman-Ackah said.
To help ensure that headphones aren’t too loud, she recommends checking the documentation that comes with headphones. Or, if no decibel data is available, don’t exceed half of the maximum volume, she said.
Another tip for healthy earbud use is regular cleaning, which can prevent ear infections.
Because people typically use earbuds with cellphones, Heman-Ackah said, infections can arise if each isn’t cleaned regularly. She cited studies that show cellphones can carry various forms of bacteria and fungus.
“So now you’re transferring that bacteria, fungus from the cellphone … to the ears,” Heman-Ackah said.
One infection, otitis externa, occurs in the ear canal and is extremely painful. It can also be caused by using Q-tips inside the ear canal.
Heman-Ackah recommends using alcohol or antibacterial wipes daily or at least once a week.
