7 Tips for Earphone Users to Protect Their Hearing
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Earphones have become part of everyday life, whether for listening to music, watching videos or attending online meetings and classes. Although convenient, listening at high volume for long periods can increase the risk of hearing problems.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than one billion young people aged 12 to 35 are at risk of hearing loss because of unsafe listening habits. Exposure to loud sounds from personal audio devices, concerts and entertainment venues is one factor that warrants attention.
Noise-induced hearing loss can develop gradually and may be permanent. Earphone users should therefore pay attention to volume, listening time, device hygiene and early signs of ear problems.
- Keep earphone volume at no more than 60 per cent
Volume is one of the main factors affecting hearing health. The louder the sound, the less time it takes for exposure to pose a risk of ear damage.
The WHO advises users to keep audio device volume at no more than 60 per cent of the maximum level. If available, users can also use sound-level monitoring features to ensure exposure remains within safe limits. The WHO recommends keeping average sound exposure below 80 decibels (dB).
Users should not turn the volume up excessively simply to drown out traffic or other surrounding noise. Well-fitting earphones with noise-cancelling features can help reduce the need to increase the volume.
- Limit listening time and take breaks
Even when listening to music at a moderate volume, users should pay attention to how long they wear earphones. Prolonged and repeated sound exposure can increase the risk of hearing problems, particularly at high volumes.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Health advises the public to follow the 60/60 rule: keep the volume at no more than 60 per cent and do not listen for more than 60 minutes without a break. The guidance was issued as part of hearing-health education in 2026.
After wearing earphones for a period, take them off and rest in a quiet environment. The WHO also recommends taking a 10-minute break after every hour spent in a loud environment.
- Choose well-fitting earphones with noise-cancelling features
The choice of earphones can also affect listening habits. Devices that do not fit properly or are poor at blocking outside noise may prompt users to turn up the volume so that audio is easier to hear.
The WHO recommends using well-fitting headphones or earphones with noise-cancelling features to reduce the need to raise the volume, particularly in crowded places. Devices with volume-limiting features can also help users keep sound levels in check.
However, noise cancellation does not make earphone use entirely risk-free. Users still need to manage the volume and limit listening time.
- Clean earphones regularly
Earphones used every day can accumulate sweat, dust, skin oils and dirt. If not cleaned properly, devices that come into direct contact with the ears can contribute to hygiene problems.
Clean the outside of the earphones and their silicone tips in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the device is disconnected from its power source before cleaning, and do not allow liquid to enter electronic components.
The WHO also advises people not to share earphones or earplugs, to help reduce the risk of ear-health problems. The inside of the ear can clean itself, so there is no need to routinely probe it.
- Avoid cleaning your ears with cotton buds
Some people use cotton buds to clean their ears after wearing earphones. However, inserting objects into the ear canal can cause problems.
The WHO explains that earwax, or cerumen, protects the ear by trapping dust and foreign particles. The inner ear also has a natural cleaning mechanism, so wax does not need to be removed unless it is causing a problem.
Inserting cotton buds, small sticks, oil or other objects into the ear canal can injure the canal or eardrum. If a build-up of wax is affecting hearing, it should be removed by a health professional.
- Recognise early signs of hearing problems
High-volume earphone use can cause symptoms that are sometimes dismissed as minor, such as ringing in the ears or temporarily muffled hearing after listening to music.
The WHO explains that loud sound exposure can cause fatigue in the ear’s sensory cells. This can lead to temporary hearing problems or tinnitus, the sensation of ringing or hissing without an external sound source. Repeated or prolonged exposure to loud sounds can permanently damage the structures of the ear.
Other warning signs include difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, often asking people to repeat themselves, or struggling to follow conversations in crowded places.
If ringing persists or hearing seems reduced, stop exposure to loud sounds and consult a doctor. Early assessment can help identify the cause of the symptoms and determine appropriate treatment.
- Do not wear earphones when you need to stay alert
Earphone use also has safety implications, beyond hearing health. Listening at excessive volume can make users less aware of traffic, horns, announcements or warnings around them.
Avoid wearing earphones that block awareness of your surroundings when walking near traffic, crossing the road or driving. If you need to listen to audio, make sure you can still hear what is happening around you and keep your attention on safety.
Safe listening is not only about volume, but also about duration and the circumstances in which earphones are used. The WHO stresses the importance of limiting exposure to loud sounds and monitoring sound levels to reduce the risk of hearing loss.
Earphones do not need to be abandoned altogether to protect hearing. Simple habits such as controlling the volume, taking breaks, keeping devices clean and recognising signs of hearing problems can help reduce the risk of long-term hearing damage.