Benin city: An audiologist at Capital Healthcare, Mrs. Akanchawa Emmanuel, has issued a cautionary message to Nigerians regarding the prolonged and high-volume use of earphones, emphasizing the risk of permanent hearing damage and other auditory health complications that could arise from such practices.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Emmanuel highlighted the critical role of delicate hair cells in the inner ear, which are responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals sent to the brain. She explained that once damaged, these cells cannot regenerate, thus underscoring the importance of maintaining safe listening habits and undergoing regular hearing assessments.
Emmanuel noted that normal hearing levels range between zero and 25 decibels, warning that exposure to sounds above safe levels through earphones can lead to irreversible hearing impairment. “The number one thing that damages these hair cells is loud sound. Once they are destroyed, they are gone permanently,” she stated. Furthermore, she pointed out that many earphone users unintentionally increase volume levels over time, gradually accumulating hearing damage without realizing the long-term effects.
The audiologist also highlighted the risk of tinnitus, a persistent ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears, which can become permanent in severe cases. She identified teenagers and young adults, particularly those between 15 and 35 years, as the largest group of earphone users, driven by smartphone-based music streaming, gaming, and communication.
Emmanuel advised users to practice safer listening habits, such as reducing volume levels when others nearby can hear sounds from their earphones and adhering to the 60/60 rule, which suggests listening at about 60 percent volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time. She also cautioned against sleeping with earphones, as this prevents the ears from resting and increases exposure to potentially damaging sound levels.
In addition to the risks associated with sound levels, Emmanuel warned about the potential for moisture to be trapped within the ear canal due to prolonged use of in-ear devices, leading to irritation, infections, and wax accumulation. She recommended simple ear-pressure relief techniques, like the Valsalva maneuver, to alleviate blocked ears during air travel and sudden atmospheric pressure changes, while advising caution to avoid damaging the eardrum.
Emmanuel urged users to clean earphones regularly, avoid sharing them, and consider using noise-cancelling headphones to reduce background noise, enabling safer listening at lower volumes. She emphasized that hearing problems often develop gradually, with early signs including muffled hearing, difficulty following conversations, and persistent ringing sensations after earphone use.
A local resident, Mr. Ben Ukachi, shared his plans to reduce earphone usage following Emmanuel’s warning. “I may not stop using it completely, but I will reduce the amount of time I spend using it,” he remarked.