New research reveals that a quarter of Brits won’t leave their homes without their headphones, with some even willing to return home if they’ve forgotten them. A survey of 2,000 adults found that the average person is willing to backtrack up to six minutes into their journey just to retrieve their headphones, indicating that the nation is more plugged in than ever.
However, despite this fixation, over a third (35%) confess they rarely – if ever – consider the potential damage their headphone usage could be inflicting on their hearing. Experts are now warning that listening to music at high volumes could cause irreversible harm.
Alarmingly, 15% of Brits admit they regularly disregard warnings on their phones advising them to lower the volume. Gen Z are the most guilty, requiring an average of three warnings before finally reducing the sound – and shockingly, 27% actually increase the volume after being instructed to do the opposite.
Gordon Harrison, chief audiologist at Specsavers, which commissioned the research, said: « Extended exposure to loud sounds through headphones can cause permanent damage to the delicate structures inside the ear.
« This can lead to issues such as hearing loss and tinnitus, which are often irreversible and can worsen over time.
« With New Year’s resolutions now in full swing, many of which are fitness-focused, more people are reaching for their headphones during workouts.
« It’s important to be mindful of how loud and how long you’re listening for, as the damage isn’t always immediately noticeable. »
Many adults are vowing to take better care of their hearing this year, with 28% planning to lower the volume, 17% aiming to reduce headphone use, and 27% intending to finally schedule that long-delayed hearing test.
The study revealed that headphone users spend nearly an hour and a half each day plugged in, relying on their headphones during train journeys, flights, and gym sessions.
The primary reasons for using headphones include private listening without disturbing others (38%), relaxation and unwinding (28%), and drowning out background noise (24%).
However, 24% typically listen at high or very high volumes, and 21% have experienced tinnitus after prolonged use. Other reported side effects include sore ears (20%), headaches (15%), muffled hearing (11%), and even dizziness (8%).
Gordon Harrison added: “No matter if you use over the ear headphones or earbuds, exposure to louder sounds over time can be equally as damaging.
« Noise-cancelling headphones are a better option as they allow the volume to be lowered while also improving audibility where there is background noise.”
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