Are AirPods Safe for Ears?
AirPods, like any other earphones, can be safe for your ears if used responsibly, but excessive use and high volume can cause damage.
- Hearing Damage: Listening at high volumes for extended periods can lead to hearing loss. A study found that turning AirPods volume all the way up can cause hearing damage. The World Health Organization recommends limiting daily headphone use to 60 minutes or less at volumes below 70 dB. [Source: Turning the volume all the way up on your AirPods can cause hearing damage. 11-Apr-2024]
- Ear Infections: Prolonged use and improper hygiene can increase the risk of ear infections. Keeping AirPods and ears clean is crucial. [Source: If you wear AirPods daily for several hours you increase your risk of an ear infection. Feb 7, 2023]
- Loud Initial Sounds: Some users have reported experiencing very loud initial sounds from their AirPods upon insertion, which could be damaging. [Source: No 2 ways about it, if you put your AirPods in your ear and before you press play they fire off a very loud sound (as with mind) than that is an Issue on Apple.]
Safe AirPods Usage Practices
- Limit Listening Time: Adhere to the WHO's recommendation of 60 minutes or less of daily use.
- Keep Volume Low: Maintain the volume below 70 dB to minimize the risk of hearing damage.
- Maintain Hygiene: Clean your AirPods regularly and practice good ear hygiene to prevent infections.
- Monitor Volume: Use the volume monitoring features offered by AirPods to control your listening levels.
Comparing AirPods to Other Headphones
AirPods are considered as safe as other over-the-ear headphones; however, claims regarding radiation exposure are unfounded and lack proper context. [Source: AirPods are as safe as over-the-ear headphones. Aug 10, 2022]
Conclusion
The safety of AirPods depends largely on the user's habits. Responsible use, including limiting listening time, keeping the volume low, and maintaining hygiene, is essential for safe listening.
