Using earphones can be safe if used appropriately. But most of us are not paying attention to the simple rules we should be following. Here are 5 tips to keep you safe & sound while using earbuds:
- Choose noise-canceling earphones. They reduce background noise, so that you can listen to music, videos, audiobooks at a much lower volumes.
- Take breaks. Prolonged use of earphones can cause ear fatigue, even if the volume is usually low.
- Avoid high volume. If you got used to high volumes for extended periods it cause partial hearing loss.
- Clean your earphones. It can prevent the buildup of dirt or bacteria. If you don’t clean it up for long, that eventually can lead to ear infections.
- Use the right size. Using earbuds that don’t fit well can cause ear pain or force you to increase the volume in order to hear songs better. Both have a negative effect. It is safe to use earphones if their size fits well and does not produce discomfort.
Can I use earphones while sleeping?
It is not recommended to use earphones while sleeping because it can be potentially dangerous. If you are using earphones while sleeping, you may not hear important sounds. If there is a fire alarm or emergency alert you will simply ignore them. Additionally, earbuds that are not designed for sleeping. In the morning it may cause uncomfortable feelings or even cause ear pain. Sometimes it led to injury if they become tangled or wrap around your neck while you sleep.
In some cases, the cause of injury was attributed to strangulation or asphyxiation resulting from the headphones’ cords wrapping around the person’s neck while they were sleeping. There have also been reports of people who have suffered burns or ear damage due to extended use of earphones while sleeping.
Since there is no benefit most people get from using earphones while sleeping, it is not safe to use earphones while sleeping. It’s recommended that you avoid wearing earbuds while falling asleep, especially if you are a light sleeper or if you have a tendency to move around a lot during sleep.
If you have problems or bad sleep, you might want to seek for professional help.