Earbuds Pose Hearing Risks for Kids and Adults

Experts share tips to protect hearing and avoid permanent damage from high-volume, long-term earbud use.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Earbuds are a daily part of life for many kids, teens, and adults, but they can expose ears to dangerously high sound levels that can lead to permanent hearing loss. Experts from the University of Rochester Medical Center warn that repeated, prolonged exposure to loud sounds through earbuds can damage the inner ear's delicate hair cells, causing sensorineural hearing loss. They advise following a simple rule: "If anyone else can hear what you're listening to, it's too loud."

Why it matters

Hearing health is closely tied to balance, brain function, and overall quality of life, which is why researchers continue to explore the connection between hearing, the brain, and other bodily systems. Protecting hearing, especially in children, is crucial to ensure healthy development and prevent lifelong consequences of noise-induced hearing loss.

The details

Earbuds deliver sound directly into the ear canal via air conduction, creating sound waves that can damage the inner ear's sensitive hair cells over time. Listening at high volumes for long periods, even if symptoms like muffled hearing or ringing start out feeling temporary, can lead to permanent sensorineural hearing loss. Poorly fitting earbuds can also cause pressure, irritation, and discomfort in the ear canal, tempting users to turn up the volume. Sharing earbuds increases the risk of bacterial and fungal infections, though earbuds themselves don't directly cause infections.

  • Repeated, prolonged exposure to loud sounds can lead to permanent hearing loss, even if symptoms start out feeling temporary.

The players

Dr. John Faria

A pediatric otolaryngologist at UR Medicine's Golisano Children's Hospital.

Dr. Dorothy Pan

A neurotologist at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

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What they’re saying

“As sound levels increase, the amount of time it takes for damage to occur decreases significantly.”

— Dr. John Faria, Pediatric Otolaryngologist (UR Medicine's Golisano Children's Hospital)

“We don't have treatments that restore sensorineural hearing loss. Management relies on hearing aids or cochlear implants, depending on the severity. That's why prevention is so important.”

— Dr. Dorothy Pan, Neurotologist (University of Rochester Medical Center)

“A good rule to follow is simple. 'If anyone else can hear what you're listening to, it's too loud.'”

— Dr. John Faria, Pediatric Otolaryngologist (UR Medicine's Golisano Children's Hospital)

What’s next

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center continue to explore the connection between hearing, balance, and brain function, underscoring the importance of protecting hearing health.

The takeaway

Earbuds pose a significant risk of permanent hearing damage, especially for children, if used at high volumes for prolonged periods. Following simple guidelines like keeping volume low enough that others can't hear it, using noise-cancelling features, and avoiding sharing earbuds can go a long way in preserving hearing health for a lifetime.