ENT doctor shares 60/60 rule for safe earphone use

Using earphones for long hours has become a common habit, especially during work, travel, or while listening to music. However, health experts warn that prolonged use at high volume may gradually affect hearing.

Doctors say hearing damage often develops slowly, which makes it easy to overlook the early signs until the problem becomes serious.

Risk of hearing loss among young users

Dr. Deepti Sinha, Lead Consultant in the ENT department at CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, said she is increasingly seeing young adults with early signs of noise-induced hearing loss.

According to the doctor, extended exposure to loud audio through earphones is one of the major reasons behind this trend.

“Hearing damage usually develops slowly and without pain, which makes it difficult to notice at first,” she explained. By the time some people realise there is a problem, the damage may already be permanent.

Why loud audio is harmful

Experts say listening to music or other audio above 85 decibels can damage delicate hair cells inside the ear. These cells help process sound signals but do not regenerate once they are damaged.

Because of this, repeated exposure to high volumes can lead to permanent hearing problems over time.

The 60/60 rule for safer listening

To reduce the risk of hearing damage, Dr. Sinha recommends following the 60/60 rule.

This rule suggests keeping the volume below 60 percent of the maximum level and limiting listening sessions to no more than 60 minutes at a time.

Even at moderate volume levels, continuous listening can strain the ears. Taking a short break of at least five minutes after every hour allows the auditory system to recover.

Other ways to protect hearing

The doctor also shared additional precautions that may help reduce strain on the ears:

• Use noise-cancelling earphones in loud environments so the volume does not need to be increased

• Avoid listening to music at very high volume levels

• Take regular listening breaks during long sessions

These steps can help reduce long-term stress on the ears.

Early warning signs to watch for

Dr. Sinha also highlighted several symptoms that could indicate early hearing damage. People experiencing these signs should consider consulting an ENT specialist:

• Persistent ringing in the ears

• Muffled hearing

• Difficulty understanding speech

• Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears

She also advised that individuals above 50 years of age, particularly those with conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, should undergo regular hearing check-ups.

Note: This information is for awareness purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Individuals should consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.