Can wireless earbuds cause hearing loss? What science says

In today’s world, wireless earbuds have become nearly as essential as smartphones. Whether you’re taking calls, listening to music, or tuning into podcasts, these tiny, powerful devices keep us connected and entertained. But with this convenience comes a common concern: Can wireless earbuds cause hearing loss?

Let’s explore what science says—and how you can protect your hearing while still enjoying your favorite tunes.

The basics: How hearing loss happens

Hearing loss occurs when the sensitive hair cells inside the cochlea (the hearing part of the inner ear) become damaged. Once these cells are injured, they do not regenerate. Prolonged exposure to loud noises is one of the most common causes of this damage—a condition known as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 1.1 billion young people worldwide are at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices, including high volumes on personal audio devices like earbuds.

Wireless vs. wired: Is there a difference?

One common question is whether wireless earbuds pose a greater risk than wired ones. The short answer is no—at least not directly.

From a hearing health perspective, the risk comes not from the wireless technology (such as Bluetooth) itself, but from how loud and how long you use the earbuds. Whether wired or wireless, all earbuds deliver sound directly into your ear canal. This proximity can amplify sound pressure and increase the risk of hearing damage if not used responsibly.

Some studies have explored concerns about wireless devices emitting low levels of radiation (known as non-ionizing radiation). Earbuds are generally considered safe to use from both an electrical and radiation standpoint, in part due to oversight by regulatory agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Safety limits are set based on Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) thresholds to keep exposure well within safe levels, ensuring that devices are safe for daily use.

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How loud is too loud?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends keeping the volume on personal listening devices at no more than 70% of the maximum. Sounds over 85 decibels (dB)—about as loud as heavy city traffic—can start causing damage after just 2 hours of exposure.

Unfortunately, many people listen at much higher volumes without realizing it. Some modern earbuds can reach 100 dB or more, where hearing damage can occur in just 15 minutes.

Safe listening tips

The good news? You can still enjoy your wireless earbuds without risking your hearing health. Here are some science-backed tips:

1. Follow the 60/60 rule: Listen at no more than 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time.
   
   
2. Use noise-canceling features: These can help you avoid turning up the volume to drown out background noise.
   
   
3. Choose over-ear headphones for long sessions: They keep speakers farther from your ear canal, reducing sound pressure.
   
   
4. Take listening breaks: Give your ears regular breaks to recover from exposure.
   
   
5. Stay aware of early signs: Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or muffled hearing after listening can be early warning signs of damage.

The Miracle-Ear Foundation’s commitment

At the Miracle-Ear Foundation, we’re passionate about empowering people to make informed decisions about their hearing health. While wireless earbuds themselves don’t inherently cause hearing loss, how they are used makes all the difference.

By spreading awareness and offering access to hearing evaluations and devices for those in need, the Miracle-Ear Foundation is dedicated to helping individuals reconnect with the sounds that enrich their lives.

Final thoughts

Wireless earbuds offer amazing convenience, but they also come with responsibilities. By following safe listening practices and staying informed, you can enjoy your audio experiences without compromising your hearing health.

If you or a loved one are concerned about hearing loss, don’t hesitate to schedule a hearing test or learn more about our Gift of Sound™ program.

References

1. World Health Organization. (2025). Deafness and hearing loss. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss#:~:text=Likewise%2C%20most%20common%20causes%20of,good%20maternal%20and%20childcare%20practices
   
   
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Noise-induced hearing loss. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/noise/about/noise.html#:~:text=Take%20precautions%20when%20noise%20is,loss%20over%20their%20working%20lifetime.
   
   
3. Federal Communications Commission. (2024). Wireless devices and health concerns. https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/wireless-devices-and-health-concerns#:~:text=For%20wireless%20devices%20intended%20for,device's%20highest%20possible%20power%20level.
   
   
4. National Institutes of Health. (2024). Noise-induced hearing loss. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/noise-induced-hearing-loss#:~:text=Sometimes%20exposure%20to%20impulse%20or,term%20damage%20to%20your%20hearing.
   
   
5. National Institutes of Health. (2023). Hearing loss: A common problem for older adults. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-and-hearing-loss/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults
6. Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360hh–360ss) & (47 CFR §1.1307 and §2.1093). 

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