ENT Specialist Advises ‘60/60 Rule’ to Protect Hearing from Long Earphone Use

New Delhi | 10 March 2026 Listening to music through earphones has become a common part of daily life, whether during work, travel, or relaxation. However, health experts warn that using earphones for long hours, especially at high volume, can gradually damage hearing. Dr Deepti Sinha, Lead Consultant in the Department of ENT at CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, has cautioned that prolonged earphone use is increasingly leading to hearing problems, particularly among young adults. According to the specialist, more patients are now showing early symptoms of hearing damage caused by loud and continuous exposure to sound. Dr Sinha said, “I notice that more patients, especially young adults, are showing early signs of noise-induced hearing loss from prolonged and loud earphone use.” This suggests that hearing issues, which were once more common among older people, are now being seen in younger age groups due to everyday listening habits. Doctors say one of the main reasons hearing problems often go unnoticed is that the damage happens slowly and without pain. Dr Sinha explained, “Unlike other health issues, hearing damage usually happens slowly and without pain, making it easy to overlook until it becomes permanent.” Listening to sound levels above 85 decibels can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, and once these cells are damaged, they cannot regenerate. To reduce risks, experts recommend a simple listening habit known as the “60/60 rule.” Dr Sinha advised, “Follow 60/60 rule. Avoid listening at more than 60 per cent of maximum volume for longer than 60 minutes at a time.” She also suggested taking short breaks after using earphones and using noise-cancelling earphones in noisy environments. People should also watch for early warning signs such as ringing in the ears, muffled hearing, difficulty understanding speech, or a feeling of fullness in the ears, and consult an ENT specialist if these symptoms appear. ENT Specialist Advises ‘60/60 Rule’ to Protect Hearing from Long Earphone Use Listening to music through earphones has become a common part of daily life, whether during work, travel, or relaxation. However, health experts warn that using earphones for long hours, especially at high volume, can gradually damage hearing. Dr Deepti Sinha, Lead Consultant in the Department of ENT at CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, has cautioned that prolonged earphone use is increasingly leading to hearing problems, particularly among young adults. According to the specialist, more patients are now showing early symptoms of hearing damage caused by loud and continuous exposure to sound. Dr Sinha said, “I notice that more patients, especially young adults, are showing early signs of noise-induced hearing loss from prolonged and loud earphone use.” This suggests that hearing issues, which were once more common among older people, are now being seen in younger age groups due to everyday listening habits. Doctors say one of the main reasons hearing problems often go unnoticed is that the damage happens slowly and without pain. Dr Sinha explained, “Unlike other health issues, hearing damage usually happens slowly and without pain, making it easy to overlook until it becomes permanent.” Listening to sound levels above 85 decibels can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, and once these cells are damaged, they cannot regenerate. To reduce risks, experts recommend a simple listening habit known as the “60/60 rule.” Dr Sinha advised, “Follow 60/60 rule. Avoid listening at more than 60 per cent of maximum volume for longer than 60 minutes at a time.” She also suggested taking short breaks after using earphones and using noise-cancelling earphones in noisy environments. People should also watch for early warning signs such as ringing in the ears, muffled hearing, difficulty understanding speech, or a feeling of fullness in the ears, and consult an ENT specialist if these symptoms appear.