Safe Headset Use: Simple Tips to Protect Your Hearing

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Headsets and earbuds have become part of everyday life, whether for listening to music, watching videos, or attending online meetings. However, using personal listening devices (PLDs) at high volumes and for extended periods can increase the risk of hearing problems.

Citing information from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Indonesia (FKUI), Dr. Fikri Mirza Putranto, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist and lecturer at FKUI’s Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, said exposure to loud sounds is no longer limited to the workplace. Concerts, entertainment venues, amusement parks, and everyday headset use can also expose people to potentially harmful noise levels.

According to Dr. Fikri, early signs of noise-induced hearing injury may include ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus, or a feeling of fullness or blockage in the ears. These symptoms are often considered minor because they may disappear within 24 hours. However, repeated exposure to loud sounds can eventually lead to permanent hearing problems.

To reduce the risk, Dr. Fikri recommends following the 60/60 principle: keep the volume at no more than 60 percent of the device's maximum level and limit headset use to around 60 minutes a day. Users are also encouraged to give their ears regular breaks.

Choosing the right device can also help protect hearing. Over-ear headphones with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) can be a suitable option in noisy environments because they reduce surrounding noise, allowing users to listen without turning the volume up excessively.

However, noise-cancelling devices should be used according to the activity. When walking or running outdoors, for example, users still need to remain aware of surrounding sounds for safety. For outdoor activities, bone-conduction headsets can be an alternative because they allow users to remain aware of sounds around them.

In addition to managing volume and listening time, keeping listening devices clean is also important. Users are advised to clean their earbuds regularly and make use of volume warning features available on many devices.

Simple habits such as controlling volume, limiting listening time, and choosing the right type of device can help reduce the risk of hearing problems. With more mindful use, headsets can remain part of everyday life while helping users take better care of their hearing.