Technology is the most necessary evil of our times and one such necessity currently is that of earphones/headphones. While taking early morning walk, crossing the street, boarding a metro, traveling in a bus or just a call in the office, throughout the day we encounter several people listening to music or talking through earphones. However, by letting earphones plugged in too much, one might not be disturbing the people around, but are certainly harming themselves enough without taking note of it.
The point is that the sound coming from those earphones hits close to our eardrums, and in the gravest situations, can also lead to permanent damage of the eardrum. And that’s not all!
NIHL: It is not only about the volume that we expose our ears to through those earphones but also the duration that can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
Hearing Loss: As mentioned above, loud music or long exposure tends to make the hair cells bend down too much and severely, the extent of which can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss.
Tinnitus: The damaged hair cells in cochlea can result in a ringing, buzzing, or roaring noise in the ear or the head. This consequential electrical noise is called tinnitus.
Hyperacusis: More than 50% of the people who suffer from tinnitus are prone to develop high sensitivity to normal environmental sounds too. This condition is referred to as Hyperacusis.
Dizziness: Many times, the increased pressure in the ear canal due to loud noise can also result in dizziness.
Ear Infections: Since the earphones are directly placed into the ear canal, they block the passage of air which enhances the chances of infections in the ear. The regular and long-term use of earphones also increases the growth of bacteria. These bacteria stay on the earphones and on more usage infect the ear. When the earphones are shared, the same bacteria from one person’s ear transfer to the other person, exposing the person also to serious ear infections.
Excessive Ear Wax: Using the earphones for a long time also develops excessive ear wax which further accelerates the chances of tinnitus, hearing difficulty, earache, and frequent ear infections.
Pain in the Ears: Long-term usage of earphones as well as using earphones that poorly fit can induce pain that can often extend to the inner ear as well, leading to soreness in the vicinity of the ear i.e. from the jaws to the top of the head.
Effect on the Brain: The electromagnetic waves that the headphones generate result in problems for the brain as well in the long term. High decibel noise levels withdraw insulation from nerve fibers that carry signals from the ear to the brain. Ear infections can also affect the brain.
Need more advice or treatment? Many health care experts at antarnaad are always here to help you out. Antarnaad is a growing network of experienced physiotherapists, dietitians, nutritionists, fitness trainers and Yoga experts providing treatment for all the conditions. For more information visit our website www.antarnaad.net or call our Consultant: Mb: 9899700187
