Noise-Canceling Headphones: Silent Threat to Your Ears? - AI Podcast
Story at-a-glance
- Noise-canceling headphones work by creating opposing sound waves to cancel outside noise, originally developed for pilots but now widely used in everyday life
- These headphones offer benefits including stress reduction, improved focus and better sound quality at lower volumes, particularly in noisy environments, but they carry risks
- Extended use may cause auditory processing difficulties as your brain becomes less adept at filtering background noise, leading to hearing issues despite normal hearing tests
- Experts express concern that overuse could impair listening skills and your brain's ability to process environmental sounds
- To minimize risks, follow the 60/60 rule (60% volume for 60 minutes), take regular breaks and use noise-canceling headphones selectively rather than constantly
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