Mrs. Akanchawa Emmanuel, an audiologist at Capital Healthcare, has warned Nigerians against prolonged use of earphones at high volumes, stating that this habit could cause permanent hearing damage and other long-term auditory health issues.
Emmanuel issued the warning in an interview with reporters on Tuesday in Benin City, urging Nigerians to adopt safer listening habits and undergo regular hearing assessments.
She explained that hearing relies on delicate hair cells in the inner ear, which convert sound waves into electrical signals sent to the brain. Damaged cells cannot regenerate.
According to her, normal hearing ranges between zero and 25 decibels. Prolonged exposure to sounds above safe levels through earphones can lead to irreversible hearing impairment over time.
“The main cause of hair cell damage is loud sound. Once destroyed, they are gone permanently,” she said.
Emmanuel noted that many earphone users gradually increase volume levels over time, exposing themselves to cumulative hearing damage without realizing the long-term effects.
She warned that prolonged exposure to loud sounds could also trigger tinnitus—a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears—that may become permanent in severe cases.
The audiologist identified teenagers and young adults aged 15 to 35 as the largest group of earphone users, driven mainly by smartphone music streaming, gaming, and communication.
Many people increase volume levels while commuting or in noisy environments to block background noise, she explained, exposing themselves to potentially harmful listening conditions.
“The devices themselves are not harmful. The problem is how they are used,” she said.
Emmanuel advised users to lower volume when others nearby can hear sounds from their earphones, warning that long listening sessions might cause temporary hearing difficulties afterward.
She recommended following the 60/60 rule: listening at about 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time.
The audiologist also cautioned against sleeping with earphones, as it prevents ears from resting and increases exposure to damaging sound levels.
Prolonged use of in-ear devices can trap moisture in the ear canal, raising the risk of irritation, infections, and excessive wax buildup.
She shared simple ear-pressure relief techniques, including the Valsalva maneuver—gently closing the mouth, pinching the nostrils, and blowing softly through the nose until a slight “pop” is felt in the ears.
However, she warned that the maneuver should be performed carefully to avoid damaging the eardrum. Swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum can also provide relief.
Emmanuel recommended regular earphone cleaning, avoiding sharing devices, and considering noise-cancelling headphones, which allow for safer listening at lower volumes by reducing background noise.
She explained that hearing problems often develop gradually, with early signs including muffled hearing, difficulty following conversations, and persistent ringing after earphone use.
A Benin resident, Mr. Ben Ukachi, said he often uses earphones for privacy and to block environmental noise but plans to reduce usage after hearing the warning.
“I may not stop using them completely, but I will cut down the time I spend using them,” he said.
