{"id":9878,"date":"2022-12-08T16:51:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-08T21:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehearinginstitute.org\/?p=9878"},"modified":"2022-12-12T17:20:10","modified_gmt":"2022-12-12T22:20:10","slug":"is-it-safe-to-sleep-with-headphones-or-earbuds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thehearinginstitute.org\/is-it-safe-to-sleep-with-headphones-or-earbuds\/","title":{"rendered":"Is It Safe to Sleep with Headphones or Earbuds?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether you live in the city and you\u2019re trying to drown out the noises or you find listening to music or a sleepcast to be relaxing, you may be tempted to sleep with headphones or earbuds in. But is doing so safe for your hearing? We answer this question below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What the Research Shows<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A study<\/a> published in the journal Noise and Health <\/em>sought to investigate self-reported hearing and portable music listening habits in adolescents. The researchers found that, \u201cAlthough the vast majority listened at moderate sound levels and for shorter periods of time, the study also indicates that there is a subgroup (10%) that listens between 90 and 100 dB for longer periods of time, even during sleep. This group might be at risk for developing future noise-induced hearing impairments<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If You Still Want to Wear Headphones or Earbuds During Sleep\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you still want to wear headphones or earbuds during sleep, it\u2019s important to take the following measures to do so safely:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid Noise-Cancelling Features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not safe to wear noise-canceling headphones or earbuds in case of an emergency. If someone is trying to call you or if your fire alarm goes off, you may risk not hearing it, putting yourself and potentially others at risk of harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t Use Corded Models<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another threat to your safety is corded earbuds or headphones, as these can get tangled and either accidentally turn up the volume or even wrap around your throat. Instead, opt for a wireless model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep the Volume Low<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re wearing headphones or earbuds for a prolonged amount of time, you should keep the volume around half the maximum or lower. The rule of thumb is if someone is standing within arm\u2019s reach, or is lying next to you when wearing headphones or earbuds to bed, they shouldn\u2019t be able to hear your music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try an External Speaker Instead<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you sleep alone or your partner doesn\u2019t mind, it would be better to sleep with an external speaker from Best Buy during a holiday sale playing your music or other media instead of wearing headphones or earbuds. This will also take pressure off your ears and reduce discomfort. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information or to schedule an appointment for a hearing test<\/a>, call Heuser Hearing Institute<\/span> today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n