Hearing protection has become more important than ever in 2025, especially with the widespread use of headphones in daily life. So, can headphone use damage your hearing? The short answer is yes, regular exposure to loud volumes can lead to permanent hearing damage over time.
In this blog, we’ll explain how headphones can affect your hearing, how to protect yourself, and when to book a professional hearing assessment to catch early signs of damage.
How Headphones Can Lead to Hearing Loss
Many people don’t realise that hearing protection applies just as much to headphone use as it does to noisy worksites. When you use headphones (especially at high volumes or for extended periods) you expose your ears to sound levels that can cause long-term damage to your hearing.
The inner ear contains tiny hair cells responsible for detecting sound. Once damaged by excessive noise, these cells do not regenerate. This is known as noise-induced hearing loss, and it’s one of the most common, and preventable, forms of hearing damage.
In-ear and over-ear headphones both carry risks. In-ear models (like earbuds) sit closer to the eardrum and can be more dangerous at high volumes. Even noise-cancelling headphones, while helpful in reducing ambient noise, don’t eliminate the risk if the volume is still too high.
How to Use Headphones with Proper Hearing Protection
If you use headphones regularly, there are simple ways to ensure you’re protecting your hearing. Good hearing protection doesn’t mean giving up your favourite music or podcasts, it’s about using your devices more safely.
Tips for safe headphone use:
- Follow the 60/60 rule: Listen at no more than 60% of the maximum volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time
- Use noise-cancelling headphones to avoid turning the volume up in noisy environments
- Take regular breaks from headphone use to give your ears time to rest
- Use over-ear headphones rather than in-ear when possible, as they generally deliver sound more safely
If you’re not sure what qualifies as a “safe” listening level, this guide from the World Health Organization explains volume limits and the science behind safe sound exposure in more detail.
Signs Your Hearing Might Already Be Affected
Even if you think you’ve been careful, damage from headphone use can build up over time. Some of the early signs include:
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus), especially after listening to music
- Feeling like sounds are muffled, or you need to turn up the volume more often
- Difficulty following conversations in noisy environments
- A sense of fullness or pressure in your ears after headphone use
Conditions like hidden hearing loss or high-frequency hearing loss can be difficult to detect without a proper hearing assessment which is why early checks are so important.
When to Book a Hearing Assessment
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, or you regularly use headphones for work, commuting, or entertainment, it’s a good idea to book a free hearing assessment.
At Hearing Matters, we help people across South Australia understand where their hearing stands. Our assessments are quick, non-invasive, and available at no cost to eligible adults (we can arrange free hearing aid evaluations).
During your visit, our team can:
- Test your hearing across various frequencies
- Identify early signs of hearing damage
- Discuss safe listening practices
- Recommend hearing protection solutions or hearing aids if needed
Why Choose Hearing Matters?
As a local, independent audiology clinic, Hearing Matters specialises in hearing health solutions tailored to you. Whether you’re concerned about long-term headphone use, noise exposure, or already experiencing symptoms, we’re here to help.
We offer:
- Free hearing assessments for eligible adults
- Modern hearing aids and hearing protection options
- Custom advice from qualified audiologists
- No-obligation consultations in a relaxed environment
We don’t just treat hearing loss, we help prevent it.
Take the First Step Toward Protecting Your Hearing
You don’t need to wait until your hearing gets worse. Whether you’re a music lover, office worker, or just someone who wants to stay ahead of potential issues, booking a free hearing assessment is the best way to start.
👉 Book your free hearing assessment with Hearing Matters today and take control of your hearing health in 2025.