How Bad Headsets can Damage your Hearing

Anytime the sound is directed directly into your ears, it has the huge potential for causing hearing damage. Headsets have however some detrimental health consequences especially if you won’t optimally maintain them. This isn’t a discouragement of their use but anything to be exceeded can be harmful in various ways. As personal and employee health are both very important, it is recommended that users of headsets take breaks of a few minutes every half hour to prevent fatigue of the audio system and protect you from damage to your hearing.

The World Health Organization recently shared some alarming news about the risk of potentially altering hearing loss due to loud noise exposure.

Headphones and Hearing Loss

Recently research has shown people under 35 listen to music more than other age numbers. WHO has told 50% of people to prefer listening to music too loud on headphones, blasting their ears out at maximum volume. Statistics show this is a much higher rate among older individuals. Though louder music can tear the inner ear and cause hearing loss.

On a mobile phone generally, the maximum volume on headphones is equal to 102 decibels, which means the listener is already at risk after listening to just a few songs at this range. The Harvard School study in 2010 has already shown the significant popular increase in headphones that has maximized the rate of hearing loss in individuals under 20. Notably, the improper usage of earphone technology can give you lifelong suffering.

How can Headphones damage your hearing?

The human ear is not evolved to manage loud noise but to pick gentle sounds. Thus when the human ear is introduced to sounds through headphones, there is a potential for hearing damage. According to UCLA Ergonomics Division, the volume of a user’s headset is likely to become a factor in hearing loss. It is suggested to keep the volume on the headset low or avoid them mostly. It is also recommended headset users take frequent breaks every half hour to prevent damage.

Germs

Very often, the headsets that are accompanied, can become one of the most prolific breeding grounds for germs in your workplace or home sometimes. A professor at the University of Arizona researched the various places where germs could crowd, and headsets were found to be far more germ-infested and more culprit than toilet seats. Headsets should be cleaned up regularly to disinfect the product.

Vocal Strain

Improper use of headphones is the reason for vocal strains, especially if the user is talking throughout the workday wearing a headset. If the headset has an adjustable microphone, make sure it is perfectly adjusted. Else if it’s Bluetooth connected, there should be clear signals without requiring strain to speak. Speak in a quiet and relaxed mood, do not hurry and don’t keep the microphone too close to your mouth as it would only congregate the germs closest to your mouth. If the headset is a single earpiece, ensure that you put the input level turned up high so that you don’t need to strain your voice.

Radiation

Electronic devices emit radiation that is harmful to the human body. These are when exposed, insanely through the Bluetooth headset, considered harmful. These devices are well under a threshold and can cause severe damage not only to ears but to your face, skin and eyes as well. Studies have not made it thoroughly visible that mobile phones are as harmful when in contact with the body or even near it. Any radiation excess to 1.6 watts/kg is considered to be unhealthy. Standard Bluetooth headsets only emit radiation to be absorbed at the rate of 0.001 watts/kg. And studies warn us still from using them.

Other Symptoms

Ergonomically, headsets are far better than holding the phone to your ear, only they must be fitted accurately, should be disinfected regularly and sound range should be considered. If a headset fits too tightly, it can cause irritation, headaches, and soreness. Other symptoms might include pain in the inner ear. If you neglect taking breaks, especially if it’s a two-piece earbud or headphones, your ears will cause long-lasting irritation. However, these damages are preventable and most are curable if treated in the right way. Take them off when not in use. And always use good quality headphones, they might be a little expensive but not more than your health. But if you’re still concerned, use headset coupons to save money and health both at the same time.

Final Verdict

As you can see, headsets can really damage your hearing and cause some health issues as well. But as said, we don’t discourage the use of it but to use them with precautions and use good quality headphones. They might be a little expensive but not more than your health. You can use headset coupons to save money on headsets and their cleaning solutions. This will not only make your hearing experience better but your health at the same time as well.