Earbuds: Permanent Deafness Risk? ENT Doctor Debunks Myths, Reveals Facts

• Dr. Suveen Kalra, Senior Consultant ENT at Max Super Speciality Hospital (Shalimar Bagh), clarifies that noise cancellation technology itself isn't the danger.
• The real risk of permanent hearing loss comes from using earbuds at high volumes and for prolonged periods, damaging delicate 'hair cells'.
• Over 1 billion young people globally are at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe earphone use, leading to tinnitus and auditory fatigue.
• Even with ANC, wearing earphones for 5-8 hours daily can be harmful; symptoms include ear heaviness, whistling, or difficulty hearing.
• Follow the '60-60 rule': use earbuds for no more than 60 minutes at 60% volume; over-ear headphones are safer.