Doctors warn of severe health risks from prolonged use of earphones and earbuds

09 Jul 2025 12:37 IST

Updated On 09 Jul 2025 12:38 IST

Doctors warn of severe health risks from prolonged use of earphones and earbuds

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Continuous earphone use may cause nerve damage and hearing loss
Blocked ear hygiene can lead to wax buildup, infection, and irritation
Radiation and stress from prolonged use may impact mental and heart health

Health experts have issued a cautionary alert on the excessive use of earphones, Bluetooth devices, and earbuds, stating that their constant use can cause long-term harm to ear health and potentially affect overall well-being. From hearing damage to skin infections and even heart-related risks, the dangers are more serious than commonly assumed.

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

“The ears are present to hear naturally. If you use earphones and headphones for a prolonged time, the ears suffer. The nerves may face a lot of damage. They may lose hearing ability. Earbuds and earpods also lead to harm in the natural cleaning process. Ears also feel a lot of irritation and lead to unnecessary wax creation,” said Dr. Harshavardhan N. Reddy, ENT specialist at MS Ramaiah Hospital.

Doctors report that constant use of in-ear devices blocks the ear’s natural wax drainage, resulting in buildup, irritation, and even fungal infections. The confined, moist environment caused by earbuds is ideal for skin-related issues and microbial growth.

Experts also raise concerns about radiation from Bluetooth devices, which can warm the ear tissues, leading to headaches and discomfort. In the long term, users may experience sleep disturbances, psychological stress, and potentially even cardiovascular complications.

Medical professionals recommend limiting usage, ensuring cleanliness of the devices, and allowing ears time to recover between uses to reduce health risks.

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