A BBC report suggests that prolonged use of noise-canceling headphones may be impacting how our brains process sound. Audiologists are raising concerns about a possible link between excessive headphone use and auditory processing issues.
Some individuals, like 25-year-old Sophie from London, struggle to recognize voices and alerts amid background noise. Despite normal hearing test results, she was diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), a condition where the brain finds it difficult to interpret sounds. Her audiologist suspects overuse of noise-canceling headphones played a role.
Experts worry that blocking out everyday noises could prevent the brain from learning how to filter sounds effectively. Claire Benton from the British Academy of Audiology suggests that wearing these headphones for extended periods may create a “false environment,”. This is limiting the brain’s ability to distinguish important sounds. Younger users, whose auditory skills are still developing, may be especially at risk.
NHS audiologists report a rise in young people seeking help for hearing difficulties, only to find their hearing is normal. Instead, they struggle with processing sound. Some experts believe the trend may be linked to increased use of noise-canceling headphones and a preference for subtitles, even when audio is clear.
While noise-canceling headphones offer benefits, such as protecting against loud noises, experts recommend moderation. Dr. Angela Alexander advises using transparency mode to let in some background noise and limiting daily use.
More research is needed to confirm a direct link between headphone use and auditory issues. However, audiologists agree that being mindful of how often and how long we use these devices could help maintain healthy listening skills in the long run.
