Can Noise-Canceling Headphones Cause Tinnitus?

Introduction 

Active noise-canceling headphones provide an invaluable solution for those seeking a degree of silence in various environments, such as on the plane, on the subway, or while studying. These headphones analyze ambient sounds, generating counteracting sound waves that effectively neutralize unwanted noise.

While noise-canceling headphones work well in loud surroundings, there may be a downside. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise cancellation may raise a potential concern, particularly for individuals with tinnitus. In this article, we’ll discuss the looming question, “Can noise-canceling headphones cause tinnitus?”

What is Tinnitus?  

Tinnitus is characterized as a ringing sensation in one or both ears, often described by individuals as a whistling, ringing, or buzzing sound. This condition is categorized as either subjective tinnitus or objective tinnitus.

Subjective tinnitus is often described as a ringing noise only audible to the individual, and it stems from issues with the auditory nerve or inner ear. Potential causes for subjective tinnitus include aging, injuries, or circulatory system issues. On the other hand, objective or pulsatile tinnitus is often described as vascular noises within the ear. Medical professionals can often detect these noises during a physical examination.

While tinnitus rarely causes pain or headaches, it does create a sense of discomfort, particularly when the ringing noise reaches high volumes or becomes distracting.

Is There A Link Between Noise-Canceling Headphones and Tinnitus?  

Since the introduction of noise-canceling headphones in 1989, studies into their potential adverse effects on auditory health have been relatively limited. However, a recent experiment shows that a group of people developed tinnitus that corresponded to the frequency range their noise-canceling earplugs were blocking. This, no doubt, is cause for concern. Despite the results of this recent study, we still lack conclusive evidence on the impact noise-canceling headphones have on auditory health. 

What we do know is that although noise-canceling headphones are not able to eliminate the sound of tinnitus completely, headphones that have good noise isolation and noise cancellation features can greatly reduce background noise. By blocking out external sounds, these headphones allow you to listen at lower volumes, which lowers the risk of additional hearing damage and ultimately helps protect you from tinnitus. However, while the American Academy of Audiology attributes tinnitus to elevated volume levels, some users have complained of ear discomfort, often attributed to a phenomenon known as "eardrum suck," involving pressure on the eardrums. Though "eardrum suck" may not directly cause tinnitus, it can exacerbate existing conditions.

As the debate continues on whether or not noise-canceling headphones cause or exacerbate tinnitus, there are a few things people can do to protect their ears when wearing these headphones:

• Volume Management:

Maintain the headphone volume below 60 decibels to avoid subjecting the ears to excessive audio levels.

• Take Regular Breaks:

Prolonged use of noise-canceling headphones, even at moderate volumes, can have adverse effects on ear health. Taking periodic breaks is essential.

• Monitor Tinnitus Symptoms:

Individuals should watch for symptoms of tinnitus, such as ringing in one or both ears. If these symptoms arise, discontinue headphone use and seek medical attention.

Can You Wear Headphones with Tinnitus? 

Wearing headphones with tinnitus can be a complex issue. While it's not typically recommended to completely eschew headphones, exercising caution is essential. It's important to use headphones at a moderate volume to avoid exacerbating tinnitus symptoms. 

Some individuals with tinnitus may find relief or distraction using headphones, especially when playing certain types of audio like white noise or soft music. However, it's crucial to avoid prolonged exposure to loud sounds. Choosing headphones that are comfortable and do not exert excessive pressure on the ears can also be beneficial. Ultimately, the decision should be based on personal comfort levels and, ideally, in consultation with a healthcare professional.

How to Prevent Tinnitus 

Subjective tinnitus is irreversible. However, there are some important steps you can take to prevent the condition.

• Protect Your Ears

In everyday conversation, sound levels typically hover around 60 decibels. However, when you're in environments with sounds above 85 decibels, it's important to protect your ears. Specifically, consider using protective measures in scenarios where you may be close to aircraft takeoffs, in or near shooting ranges, near tools like jackhammers, or in concert arenas.

Work settings with sound levels exceeding 85 decibels need additional precautions. In such cases, use earmuffs or earplugs to significantly reduce the risk of auditory damage and promote long-term hearing health.

Furthermore, the choice of ear care products is important. Minimize the use of cotton swabs to avoid inadvertently pushing earwax deeper into the ear canal. Additionally, clean your earplugs regularly with alcohol to reduce the risk of ear infections.

• Quit Smoking

Although smoking doesn't cause tinnitus, it can certainly contribute to hearing problems. Smoking causes a myriad of health issues, such as constricted blood vessels. This, in turn, reduces the blood flow to your heart, your brain, and the rest of your body. Healthy blood flow is necessary for a healthy auditory system.

The act of smoking, or exposure to nicotine and carbon monoxide, elevates the risk of ototoxicity, which refers to damage to the inner ear. Nicotine, in particular, disrupts the normal functioning of neurotransmitters in the auditory nerve, further contributing to potential hearing impairments. While smoking may not directly cause otitis media (an infection of the middle ear), it's important to note that second-hand smoke can exacerbate this condition.

• Promote Heart Health

Despite the apparent disconnect between cardiac health and your ears, there is evidence to show a correlation.

Cardiovascular issues contribute to insufficient blood supply to the heart, resulting in poor blood circulation. Whether arising from arterial fat deposits, partial vessel obstructions, or vessel damage, these conditions adversely impact overall blood flow. As mentioned earlier, poor blood circulation can damage the auditory system. The oxygen-dependent hair cells within your ears, responsible for translating sound into electrical impulses for the brain, suffer when there is inadequate blood flow.

Prioritizing heart health means taking a multifaceted approach. This includes maintaining a well-balanced diet, incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine, and eliminating habits such as smoking.

• Manage Your Stress

Surprisingly, tinnitus can manifest as a consequence of stress and anxiety. Medical professionals call this stress-related tinnitus.

Preventing stress-related tinnitus involves proactive stress management strategies. Incorporating relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, into your daily routine can be instrumental in alleviating stress. Additionally, integrating regular exercise and prioritizing sleep is crucial. Adequate sleep plays an important role in helping the body heal, further reinforcing the relationship between stress management, overall well-being, and auditory health.

• Maintain Good Head Posture

Your posture and tinnitus may seem unrelated, but having poor posture reduces blood circulation in your neck and ear area, and as previously mentioned, poor blood circulation reduces oxygen to the hair cells in your ear.

To maintain good head posture, try to ensure that your body is properly aligned when you sit or stand. Keep your back straight and your neck upright, and avoid slouching.

If you spend long extended periods leaning forward while doing computer work, take regular breaks. These breaks allow you to stretch your neck and back muscles, counteracting the effects of prolonged static postures. Additionally, select a suitable pillow and mattress to ensure proper alignment of the neck and spine.

• Use the Right Audio Device

In addition to taking care of your body, you can also prevent tinnitus by purchasing high-quality noise-canceling headphones or headphones with bone conduction technology. However, make sure you can still get excellent sound without raising the volume above 60% of the device's maximum volume, and stay clear of in-ear headphones. By delivering audio directly to your eardrums, these headphones amplify sounds, posing a risk of auditory damage.

How to Use Noise-Canceling Headphones with Tinnitus  

To effectively manage tinnitus, you need to be aware of the impact of loud noises on your ears. Noise-canceling headphones are a valuable tool when it comes to reducing surrounding sounds. Here are some recommendations for optimizing the use of noise-canceling headphones when you are living with tinnitus:

• Invest in Premium Headphones:

While cost-effective options may seem tempting, prioritizing high-quality noise-canceling headphones is crucial if you have tinnitus. Look for models specifically designed to block out high-pitched noises. Some offer features that can neutralize over 70% of external sounds. While this investment may incur a higher cost, protecting your ears justifies the expenditure.

• Follow the 60/60 Rule:

With the ability to effectively block external noises, resist the temptation to elevate your headphone volume. The  60/60 rule is a guideline where you maintain the volume at 60% of the maximum and limit usage to 60 minutes at a time. This prevents the risk of overexerting your ears. Higher volumes may further damage your ears and exacerbate your tinnitus.

What Kind of Headphones Are Best for Tinnitus?  

While noise-canceling headphones come highly recommended, bone conduction headphones offer an even better option. Bone conduction technology entirely bypasses the ears and transmits sound through vibrations on the bones of the skull or cheekbone. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals with sensitive ears, those dealing with ear infections, or those managing tinnitus.

Open-ear headphones, like Shokz' OpenRun Pro, are positioned outside the ear canal, reducing concerns related to auditory health. This lightweight design ensures comfort during extended use. In addition, the OpenRun Pro offers the advantage of ambient sound awareness alongside high-quality audio, featuring dual bass enhancers for a comprehensive auditory experience. The inclusion of a dual noise-canceling microphone lets you make and receive crystal-clear calls.

Prioritizing comfort, lightweight construction, and minimal pressure on the eardrums is crucial when selecting headphones for tinnitus sufferers. The OpenRun Pro, weighing a mere 29 grams and 20% lighter than its predecessor, offers a pressure-free design, allowing prolonged use without discomfort.

When selecting headphones, avoid in-ear headphones. By doing so, you'll prevent the direct transmission of loud sounds to the eardrum. The risk of acoustic trauma is heightened with in-ear or over-ear headphones, making the OpenRun Pro's 9th-generation bone conduction technology particularly advantageous in minimizing such risks.

What's more, the design of the OpenRun Pro ensures that it never comes into contact with your inner ear, eliminating the risk of ear infections - an important consideration for individuals with tinnitus.

Conclusion  

While managing tinnitus presents challenges, there are important measures you can take to protect your ears. Opting for headphones that don't touch your inner ear ensures a high-quality audio experience while minimizing the risk of exacerbating ear damage. Interested in learning more about open-ear headphones that use bone conduction technology? Explore the range of headphones available on the Shokz website.