Loud Headphones at the Gym Could Harm Hearing
For many gym-goers, headphones are a way to block out loud music, noisy equipment and conversations. But turning up the volume to drown out surrounding sounds could put their hearing at risk.
ENT consultant Dr Hala Radhi warned that repeatedly listening to loud music through headphones can increase the risk of chronic tinnitus and hearing loss.
Tinnitus is a persistent ringing or other noise in the ears that can continue even after the music has stopped. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can also damage the sensory hair cells involved in hearing.
Dr Radhi said the risk increases with the length and frequency of exposure to high sound levels.
The damage can build gradually over months and years, meaning people may not immediately notice changes in their hearing.
She advised gym-goers not to stop using headphones but to reduce the volume and limit the amount of time they wear them, particularly in already noisy environments.
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