Audiologist Warns Nigerians Against Excessive Earphone Use, High Volume Listening

An audiologist at Capital Healthcare, Mrs Akanchawa Emmanuel, has cautioned Nigerians against prolonged use of earphones at high volume levels, warning that the habit could lead to permanent hearing loss and other long-term auditory health complications.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Benin City, Emmanuel urged the public to adopt safer listening habits and undergo regular hearing checks to protect their hearing health.

She explained that hearing relies on delicate hair cells located in the inner ear, which convert sound waves into electrical signals sent to the brain. According to her, once these cells are damaged, they do not regenerate.

Emmanuel noted that normal hearing falls within a range of zero to 25 decibels and warned that extended exposure to loud sounds through earphones could gradually result in irreversible hearing impairment.

“The number one thing that damages these hair cells is loud sound. Once they are destroyed, they are gone permanently,” she said.

She explained that frequent earphone users often increase volume levels over time without realising the cumulative impact on their hearing.

The audiologist also warned that prolonged exposure to loud audio could trigger tinnitus — a persistent ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears — which may become permanent in severe cases.

According to Emmanuel, teenagers and young adults aged between 15 and 35 account for the highest rate of earphone use, largely due to smartphone-based entertainment, gaming and communication.

She noted that many users tend to raise volume levels while commuting or staying in noisy environments to drown out background sounds, thereby exposing themselves to unsafe listening conditions.

“The devices themselves are not harmful. The problem lies in how they are used,” she added.

Emmanuel advised users to lower the volume whenever nearby individuals could hear sound leaking from their earphones and warned that long listening sessions could lead to temporary hearing difficulties.

She recommended following the 60/60 rule — listening at no more than 60 per cent volume for a maximum of 60 minutes at a time.

The hearing specialist also discouraged sleeping with earphones, explaining that the habit denies the ears adequate rest and increases exposure to potentially harmful sound levels.

She added that prolonged use of in-ear devices could trap moisture inside the ear canal, increasing the risk of irritation, infections and wax build-up.

Emmanuel further highlighted simple techniques for relieving ear pressure, including the Valsalva manoeuvre, often used during air travel and sudden changes in atmospheric pressure.

She explained that the method involves closing the mouth, pinching the nostrils and gently blowing through the nose until a slight popping sensation is felt in the ears.

However, she cautioned that the technique should be done carefully to avoid damaging the eardrum, adding that swallowing, yawning or chewing gum may also help relieve pressure.

She also advised users to clean earphones regularly, avoid sharing them and consider noise-cancelling headphones, which can reduce background noise and encourage safer listening at lower volumes.

Emmanuel noted that hearing damage often develops gradually, with early warning signs including muffled hearing, difficulty following conversations and persistent ringing after earphone use.

Reacting to the advice, a Benin resident, Mr Ben Ukachi, said he regularly used earphones for privacy and to reduce environmental noise but planned to cut back.

“I may not stop using it completely, but I will reduce the amount of time I spend using it,” he said.