Bengaluru experts warn of hearing risks from headphone use on Noise Awareness Day

As the world marks International Noise Awareness Day on April 30, experts in Bengaluru are highlighting the overlooked dangers of prolonged headphone and earbud use. The Dr S R Chandrasekhar Institute of Speech and Hearing has raised alarms over the volume levels emitted by personal listening devices, which can reach up to 130 decibels—comparable to live concerts or busy traffic intersections.

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Using a specially designed mannequin named ‘Karna’, the institute has been studying how loud these devices can get in real-world use. Karna replicates the dimensions of a human ear and is connected to a sound level meter to measure typical listening volumes. Inspired by an American prototype known as ‘Jolene’, the indigenous model helps assess whether everyday headphone usage falls within safe auditory limits.

The institute warns that regular exposure to sound above 70 decibels can cause permanent inner ear damage over time. Early symptoms include tinnitus, muffled hearing, and a sensation of blocked ears—signals that are often ignored until the damage becomes severe. Beyond physical harm, extended exposure to loud audio can lead to psychological effects such as irritability, reduced concentration, and mental fatigue.

A recent global study has indicated that nearly 24% of urban youth use personal listening devices for up to 40 hours a week at unsafe sound levels. Experts recommend keeping volumes below 60% of the maximum, taking listening breaks, and choosing over-the-ear headphones for safer audio consumption.