The increasing popularity of noise-cancelling headphones has raised concerns among audiologists about its impact on our brains and hearing. While these headphones can be helpful in blocking out loud noises, experts warn that regularly excluding background noise may impair the brain’s capacity to process audio efficiently.
Audiologists have noticed an increase in hearing issues triggered by what appears to be neurological problems, but are actually related to the brain’s inability to distinguish between words and background noise. This condition is called auditory processing disorder (APD), which can affect people’s ability to communicate in social settings, understand instructions, or comprehend foreign accents.
According to experts, wearing noise-cancelling headphones for extended periods may alter the brain’s neural pathways, leading to a false environment that only allows for listening to what one wants to hear. This can delay the development of complex listening skills and potentially lead to hearing fatigue, discomfort, and dizziness.
Moreover, using noise-cancelling headphones can also reduce awareness of important ambient sounds like traffic or announcements when traveling. Audiologists recommend balancing the use of these headphones with regular exposure to natural environments to maintain their ability to filter sound.
To minimize potential risks, experts suggest limiting usage to 2-3 hours a day and using safe listening practices, such as keeping volumes below 80 dB. By being mindful of our headphone use and taking steps to balance it with natural environments, we can protect our hearing and overall well-being.
Source: https://www.firstpost.com/health/noise-cancelling-headphones-brain-damage-13864021.html