Can AirPods and earbuds damage our ears? This is a question I hear more and more as an ear, nose, and throat surgeon.

AirPods and other wireless earbuds have become part of everyday life. They are convenient, sleek, and readily available, but they can significantly impact your hearing if misused.

With more reading materials now in digital format, many students treat their AirPods as essential study companions. Some wear them for the entire duration of their study time, which can range from 4 to 12 hours a day.

Imagine a child who starts using AirPods at the age of 15, averaging 6 hours of daily use, especially for studying, and is enrolled in a six-year degree program. What kind of damage could their ears be facing by age 40 if they keep misusing their AirPods?

As an ear, nose, and throat surgeon, I’ve seen a growing number of concerned parents reach out to me with a common frustration: “My child always has his AirPods in. Even when I’m talking to him, he doesn’t seem to hear me.”

This is a valid concern, which unfortunately is also seen in adults. AirPods, earbuds, and earphones in general have become a near-permanent accessory for many young adults. They wear them while studying, during chores, while gaming, and even at the dinner table.

So what happens when casual use turns into constant exposure?

Can AirPods and earbuds really damage your ears?

Is there a difference in how long young people use AirPods compared to adults? And more importantly, what are the risks?

In this article, we’ll take a clear-eyed look at AirPods, earbuds, and your hearing, based on medical facts and my observations in the clinic.

You’ll learn what’s going on with these listening devices, how they affect your hearing and overall health, and what usage patterns may be putting your ears at risk.

If you or your child has asymmetric hearing loss or only one good hearing ear, I’ll also walk you through what’s safe, what’s not, and smarter alternatives to AirPods and wireless earbuds.

Let’s dive in…

AirPods and most earbuds are made of lightweight plastic shells, often paired with silicone or rubber ear tips for comfort.

Though compact, these devices include plastic housing, tiny speakers, metal parts, and sensitive electronics.

Their outer casings are typically polycarbonate or ABS plastic(Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), chosen for durability and finish.

The technology in AirPods and other wireless earbuds is remarkable but technology doesn’t replace awareness. As Ear, Nose, and Throat surgeons, we need to guide people toward using these devices intelligently and safely.

Hearing is precious, let’s keep it safe.

Earphones:

• These are small listening devices inserted into the ear.

• They fit inside the ear canal, sealed with silicone or foam tips.

• They’re synonymous with earbuds and could be used interchangeably.

• They offer stronger sound isolation and bass.

• They are wired, provide higher sound fidelity, and are often used by audiophiles.

Earbuds:

• A general term for small earphones inserted in the outer ear.

• Can be wired or wireless.

• Used for listening to audio (music, calls, etc.).

• Covers many products from different brands.

• They rest just outside the ear canal with no deep insertion.

• They have less noise isolation, allowing ambient sounds to enter.

• They are casual, lightweight, and easy to clean.

EarPods:

• • Apple’s wired earbuds, introduced before AirPods in 2012.

• • Come with a unique shape (not silicone tips) and are usually included with older iPhones.

• • Not truly inserted into the ear canal; they rest just outside it.

AirPods:

• Apple’s wireless version of EarPods.

• Bluetooth-enabled, with or without noise cancellation, depending on the model.

• They fit similarly to EarPods but with more features, such as automatic pairing, stem design, smart sensors, and ANC in Pro models.

• They have deep integration with iOS and advanced noise reduction.

Headphones:

• These audio devices consist of earcups connected by a headband.

• They usually have thick, cushioned ear pads that form a seal around your ears.

• They provide excellent noise isolation, or passive coverage, via padding.

• They’re bulkier than the earbuds and offer superior sound fidelity.

• Headphones might be bulkier than AirPods or earbuds, but their cushioned ear cups offer excellent passive noise isolation.

• They don’t just block outside sound, but they also deliver superior audio quality, with deeper bass and clearer highs that smaller devices can’t match.

• They have both on-ear and over-ear styles.

Earplugs:

• These are occlusive devices designed to block out noise entirely or to prevent water from entering the ear.

• They’re mostly made of foam or silicone.

• They’re used in industrial, sleep, or concert settings, as well as for swimming activities.

• They’re purely protective and do not play audio.

• They can be inserted into the ear canal or cover the entire ear, like earmuffs.

Strictly speaking, AirPods and EarPods are Apple’s brands of earbuds.

• But many people use AirPods and wireless earbuds interchangeably.

• Therefore, in this article, AirPods, earbuds, and earphones will be used interchangeably to refer to wireless, Bluetooth-enabled, small audio devices placed in the outer ear, irrespective of the brand.

AirPods function like tiny speakers placed directly into the ear canal. They stream sound wirelessly from devices via Bluetooth, delivering audio at levels ranging from 30 dB (a whisper) to over 100 dB (as loud as a jackhammer), depending on the volume setting.

Most smartphones cap audio output at around 100-102 dB, but that’s still dangerously high when exposure lasts more than a few minutes. Although iOS and Android now include volume limit settings, not every user knows they exist, and fewer use them.

AirPods today come packed with advanced sound features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and volume-limiting settings, designed to enhance the audio experience. But the question remains: do these features help or harm hearing? And how well are users protected?

3A.       Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in AirPods:

ANC uses tiny microphones to detect external ambient noise (like traffic or background chatter) and produces inverse sound waves to cancel it out. This reduces the need to turn up the volume in noisy environments.

The advantages of this include:

• Lower volume use in loud environments (e.g., airplanes, commutes)
• Less ear strain due to reduced background noise
• Enhances speech clarity during calls

That being said, there are still downsides of this:

• Can create a false sense of safety — users assume they’re protected, so they increase volume unconsciously
• Complete sound isolation can be dangerous (e.g., crossing streets, biking)
• Can cause ear pressure sensation or dizziness in sensitive individuals

ANC can help prevent hearing damage if users resist the urge to crank up the volume. I usually advise people to enable Transparency Mode in public or when multitasking.

It’s wrong to believe that noise cancellation protects your hearing because even though it reduces background noise, if you turn up the volume, you’ll still be at risk.

3B.      Volume Regulation & Hearing Safety Features in AirPods and Other Wireless Earbuds

Modern AirPods include several tools to limit unsafe volume exposure, but they must be manually enabled in most cases.

Noteworthy is the fact that some earbud manufacturers now include an automatic volume adjustment feature, which ensures that the volume does not exceed a safe factory-set upper limit.

However, many users either turn off this feature or ignore it, manually increasing the volume to their preference.

Some individuals believe they don’t need volume limits because they don’t feel any pain in their ear. However, hearing damage from prolonged exposure to loud sounds is often painless and progressive. By the time symptoms become noticeable, the damage is often irreversible.

Others assume their sophisticated phone will stop them from going too loud. This is only true if the user enables the correct settings, and many don’t.

Normal conversation occurs at 60 dB, while a safe noise level is generally considered to be 75 dB or less.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control stressed that prolonged exposure to sound above 85 dB can lead to hearing loss. Here’s a quick guide:

• Below 70 dB: Safe for unlimited time (equivalent to normal conversation)

• 85 dB: Safe for up to 8 hours/day

• 95 dB: Safe for less than 1 hour/day

• 100 dB+: Damage can occur within 15 minutes

These values are subject to individual susceptibility. Many users unknowingly listen at 90-100 dB — especially when using noise-canceling modes or trying to drown out background noise. That’s a fast track to noise-induced hearing loss, which is permanent and preventable.

Wearing AirPods or other wireless earbuds for long hours daily poses multiple risks:

A.   Earwax Buildup

Earwax (cerumen) is a natural, soft, brownish-yellow, waxy substance produced in the ear canal. It typically moves outward and exits the ear naturally. However, constant or prolonged use of earbuds can lead to wax buildup behind the earbud tips.

Wax often accumulates at the base of the earbud tip, requiring regular cleaning.

B.   Can earbuds or AirPods damage your hearing?

• When an earbud is inserted, it can block external sounds from entering the ear, leading to temporary conductive hearing loss. If only one ear is plugged, the other ear compensates, allowing you to hear. But when both ears are occluded, environmental awareness drops significantly.

• Prolonged exposure of the ear to loud sound or exposure to high volume levels for a short period damages hearing. More concerning is the damage caused by prolonged or loud listening. High volumes can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), where loud sound damages the hair cells in the cochlea. Once lost, these cells do not regenerate.

• Even when both ears are normal, using an AirPod in just one ear for long periods, especially at high volume, can pose risks such as:

• Auditory strain in the single ear
• Loss of binaural hearing benefits (spatial awareness, noise filtering)
• Neural imbalance, especially in children or teens whose auditory pathways are still developing

Note: The brain is wired for symmetrical input. Constantly favoring one side may subtly affect auditory processing, particularly in environments with complex sounds, such as classrooms or public spaces.

• Many users wear one AirPod to stay alert while handling calls or tasks. If you must wear one earbud, alternate ears regularly and keep the volume low.

C.   Ear Pain or Earache

Pain around the earhole may result from an ill-fitting AirPod.

Inner ear discomfort during or after use could stem from high volume or prolonged wear in the same ear. If pain recurs under the same conditions, it’s a warning sign that your ear may not be tolerating that volume.

D.   Auditory Fatigue

Prolonged listening can lead to temporary hearing dullness and mental fatigue.

E.   Tinnitus

A ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears is often an early sign of hearing damage.

F.   Earbuds and Ear Infections

Trapped moisture and poor earbud hygiene can cause infections. Inserting contaminated earbuds can introduce fungi and bacteria into the ear canal, increasing the risk of conditions such as otomycosis.

To protect your ears:

• Use separate earbuds for each ear if one is infected.

• Clean earbuds before use — a quick wipe makes a difference.

• Avoid placing them on dirty surfaces (tables, pockets, bags).

• Always store them in their case after use.

• Never share earbuds — no matter how “clean” they appear.

• Treat fungal infections promptly and thoroughly, as they often recur.

G.   Reduced Social Awareness

Wearing both earbuds reduces environmental awareness. You may miss your name being called, traffic sounds, or emergency alarms.

I once walked beside a student wearing AirPods in both ears. I called out to her multiple times, but there was no response.

When I finally tapped her shoulder, she was startled and apologized, saying she hadn’t heard a thing. That was a perfect teaching moment about the risks of using both earbuds in public spaces.

Also, have you noticed how you raise your voice when speaking while streaming with both AirPods in? You’re unknowingly trying to speak over the audio, and others might think you’re shouting.

Teenagers and young adults are more vulnerable to developing hearing problems with prolonged use of AirPods because they tend to:

• Listen longer — often 4 to 6 hours per day, sometimes more

• Prefer louder volumes;  especially in noisy environments

• Overuse both AirPods and earbuds — which removes ambient cues and increases isolation

• Rarely take listening breaks

• Are easily affected by Social and peer influences

This pattern sets up a dangerous cycle of gradual, unnoticed hearing loss. Many won’t realize it until it’s too late.

Signs to watch for Include:

• Inability to hear  when you are called, especially from another room

• Increasing volume frequently

• Complaint of ringing(tinnitus) or ear pressure

• Having trouble understanding speech, especially in noisy environment

• Asking for repetition

…it may be time for a hearing check. These can be early red flags of damage.

You don’t have to ban AirPods entirely. Instead, smart use should be encouraged. Healthy Listening Habits to protect your hearing while enjoying the ease of use and improved streaming provided by the Airpods and other wireless earbuds include:

• Be conscious of the duration of use of the earbuds and their set volume.

• Always enable volume limit settings on iOS or Android devices.

• Use ANC in moderation, especially when in motion or multitasking.

• Activate Transparency Mode when situational awareness is needed.

• Follow the 60/60 Rule: No more than 60% volume for 60 minutes, then take a break.

• Use one AirPod at a time: Keeps the other ear open to surroundings.

• Turn on headphone safety settings, especially on iPhones.

• Keep earbuds clean and dry: To avoid infections.

• Use over-ear headphones with noise canceling: These often allow for lower volume use.

• Install volume monitoring apps, like Apple Health or SoundPrint.

• Regularly check headphone exposure data in the Apple Health or Android Wellness app.

Don’t wait for your hearing to worsen. Book an appointment if:

• There’s a noticeable change in your hearing or responsiveness
• Ringing in the ears persists
• You suspect chronic exposure to loud music

• Concerns about listening behaviors

Early intervention makes a difference — especially when temporary hearing changes or tinnitus is still reversible.

“A stitch in time saves nine.”
Protect your hearing because small habits today can prevent big problems tomorrow.

For those with hearing loss, even mild hearing loss, hearing aids with streaming capabilities are often safer and smarter alternatives to AirPods. Whether you have one good ear, asymmetric hearing loss, or completely normal hearing, personalized listening habits matter.

Can AirPods and earbuds damage your ears? The answer depends less on the device itself, and more on how, how long, and how loud you use them.

AirPods aren’t inherently harmful, but using them carelessly or excessively, especially in one ear or at high volume, can absolutely put your hearing at risk. The best defense against hearing loss isn’t just better technology, it’s better habits.

If you or your child relies on one good ear, AirPods don’t have to be off-limits — but they do require extra caution. The goal is to protect the remaining hearing, maintain balance in auditory input, and avoid the slow creep of hearing fatigue or loss in the stronger ear.

Have you ever taken the time to explore your AirPods’ or Earbuds’ hearing safety settings?
Tell me in the comments:
Do you keep your volume within the manufacturer’s recommended safe limit or do you go above it?