Learn about the ways use of earbuds and headphones impacts your ear health+

There’s not denying that the world is full of music fans! No matter what type of music you listen to, the modern convenience of mobile phone devices and the earbuds that pair with them has caused many to ask are headphones better than earbuds?

Are earbuds bad for your ears?

In the debate of earbuds vs over ear headphones many mobile device users will chime in due to the popularity of earbuds. Although earbuds have huge popularity, they do pose some added risks from sound damage compared to over ear headphone designs. Since they deliver sound directly into the ear canal, earbuds pose a much greater risk of damaging your ears if the volume gets too loud. When you wear them there is nothing between your ears and the sound to protect you. Similar to cotton swabs, earbuds can also push earwax deeper into the ears, causing blockages that affect your hearing.

Are headphones bad for your ears?

According to ear specialists, the human ear can safely listen to sounds up to 70 decibels (dB), while a normal conversation averages 60 dB. Doctors claim that sounds above 70 dB for a prolonged period of time can cause hearing damage, and sounds above 85 dB can result in permanent hearing damage. As a point of reference, rock band The Who is credited as having played the loudest measured rock concert in history at 126 decibels. Headphones (including earbuds) are capable of emitting a maximum sound level of 85 to 110 dB - so they certainly could be bad for your ears if you are always turning the volume up - Pete Townshend or not. 

Earbuds vs over ear headphones: Which is the better choice?

It is largely believed by ear doctors that over-the-ear headphones are a better choice. Over ear designs do not funnel sound directly into your eardrums. They also do not push earwax into your ear canal. Many also feel that over-the-ear headphones are also more comfortable to wear than earbuds - although this is subjective. If you still are concerned about the danger of earbuds, then the simple answer is just to turn the volume down.

Ear problems? Inspect your ears with an otoscope

If you are asking, are earbuds bad for your ears, then you are either cautious about your ears or have some sort of ear problem - tinnitus is common. If you frequently have irritated ears after wearing headphones or earbuds then it might be a good idea to buy a digital otoscope camera. A home otoscope inspection can look at the health of your ear drum and tell you how often you should remove earwax.

ScopeAround was the first company to make an ear inspection camera for consumer use and they have the most experience and customer feedback manufacturing these devices. ScopeAround makes ear cleaning cameras that are stand-alone devices as well as ones that are compatible with iPhone (iOS) and Android mobile devices as well as PC (Windows) or Mac (OSX) computers. Shop ScopeAround otoscopes now!

 

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