Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin City, Benin City, an audiologist with Capital Healthcare, Mrs Akanchawa Emmanuel, urged the public to reconsider how they use personal audio devices and to prioritise routine hearing checks.
She explained that hearing relies on delicate hair cells located in the inner ear, which translate sound vibrations into electrical signals sent to the brain. Once these cells are damaged, she noted, recovery is not possible.
“The number one thing that damages these hair cells is loud sound. Once they are destroyed, they are gone permanently,” she said.
Emmanuel added that while normal hearing typically falls within the 0 to 25 decibel range, sustained exposure to louder sound levels—especially through earphones—can gradually lead to permanent hearing impairment.
A major concern, she noted, is that many users unknowingly increase volume levels over time, exposing themselves to cumulative damage without immediate symptoms.
“The devices themselves are not harmful. The problem lies in how they are used,” she said.
She also warned that prolonged exposure to loud audio may trigger tinnitus, a condition characterised by persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears. In severe cases, she said, the condition could become long-lasting or permanent.
To promote safer listening habits, she recommended the widely cited “60/60 rule,” which encourages users to listen at no more than 60 percent volume for a maximum of 60 minutes at a stretch. She further advised that if someone nearby can hear sound leaking from earphones, the volume is likely too high.
According to her, sleeping with earphones should be avoided, as it prevents the ears from resting and increases prolonged exposure to sound. She also highlighted additional risks associated with in-ear devices, including moisture buildup in the ear canal, which can lead to irritation, infections, and wax accumulation.
Beyond listening habits, Emmanuel explained basic ear pressure relief techniques such as the Valsalva manoeuvre. This involves gently closing the mouth, pinching the nostrils, and softly blowing through the nose until a slight “pop” is felt in the ears. However, she cautioned that it must be done carefully to avoid damaging the eardrum, noting that swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum may also help relieve pressure.
She recommended regular cleaning of earphones, discouraging shared use, and suggested noise-cancelling headphones as a safer alternative since they reduce background noise and allow for lower volume levels.
Early warning signs of hearing issues, she said, often develop gradually and may include muffled sound perception, difficulty following conversations, or persistent ringing after using earphones.
A resident of Benin City, Mr Ben Ukachi, shared that he relies on earphones for privacy and to block environmental noise but plans to cut back after the warning.
“I may not stop using it completely, but I will reduce the amount of time I spend using it,” he said.