Noise-Cancelling Headphones Possible Source of Hearing Problems
looorg writes:
Are noise-cancelling headphones to blame for young people's hearing problems? They are not going deaf but the brain are having difficulty processing sounds. As it has not been trained on sorting out sounds and noise due to constant headphone usage filtering out the auditory realities.
... auditory processing disorder (APD), a neurological condition where the brain finds it difficult to understand sounds and spoken words.
Her audiologist and others in England are now calling for more research into whether the condition is linked to overuse of noise-cancelling headphones.
Five NHS audiology departments have told the BBC that there has been an increase in the number of young people referred to them from GPs with hearing issues - only to find their hearing is normal when tested and it is their ability to process sound that is struggling.
Noise-cancelling headphones do have their benefits, particularly for long-term ear health where their soundproofing feature can prevent high frequency and loud noise from reaching and damaging the ear - even while listening to music.
... by blocking everyday sounds such as cars beeping, there is a possibility the brain can "forget" to filter out the noise.
"You have almost created this false environment by wearing those headphones of only listening to what you want to listen to. You are not having to work at it,"
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgkjvr7x5x6o
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