Excessive use of in-ear headphones like AirPods can result in hearing damage and ear infections, warn audiologists.

They recommend a simple guideline to reduce the risks of noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus, and sound sensitivity – known as the 60/60 rule …

CNET’s Anna Gragert learned the lesson the hard way when she experienced hearing loss. She spoke to two audiologists who explained the risks of excessive use of in-ear headphones.

• Noise-induced hearing loss
• Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing or hissing in the ears)
• Sound sensitivity over time

Additionally, wearing them for long periods of time can trap heat and moisture in the ear, which can lead to ear infections. Finally, they can push earwax deeper into the ear canal, which can also result in temporary hearing impairment.

Both the experts she spoke to recommended the 60/60 rule.

Both Reisman and Troast recommend the “60/60 rule” to people who wear earbuds. The 60/60 rule means you listen at no more than 60% of the maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time. 

“Daily use is fine if the volume stays safe and ears are given time to rest,” Reisman advises. “I usually tell patients to take a 15- to 20-minute break for every hour of use.”

Apple has long given safety notifications if you are persistently listening to AirPods at high volumes. You can check your alert history and set a decibel limit in Settings > Sounds and Haptics > Headphone Safety.

There is also a Headphone Audio Levels section in the Apple Health app which provides a log of your exposure.

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