Can Earbuds Damage Hearing?

In our increasingly wireless world, earbuds have become a ubiquitous way to enjoy music, podcasts, and calls. But with great convenience comes questions: can these tiny devices cause lasting harm to your hearing? This article explores the risks, expert advice on safe listening for hearing protection, and some standout soundcore models designed with ear safety in mind.

How Can Earbuds Affect Hearing?

Typically, in-ear earbuds project sound directly into the ear canal. Though convenient, being so close to the eardrum can amplify volume levels. Long hours of listening at high volume may also lead to noise-induced hearing loss. Groovying for what seems to be only a few hours may actually do some damage.

Besides volume, a poor fit leaks sound, pushing you to increase the volume. The absence of noise cancellation may also lead you to compensate with volume. These factors, over time, become a threat to your hearing.

Safe Listening: What Experts Recommend

Health specialists recommend keeping to the 60 / 60 rule: do not listen at more than 60% of maximum volume for more than an hour at a time. Taking frequent "ear-rest" breaks is important to decrease ear fatigue and damage.

Get earbuds that offer good sound even at low volume, through good drivers or noise isolation, so you can keep the volume down without compromising audio quality.

Many health organisations endorse high-fidelity, well-fitting models as part of hearing protection.

Choosing Safer Earbuds: soundcore Picks

Let's take a look at models that combine strong audio performance with features that support safer listening. Here are three soundcore options that stand out:

soundcore Liberty 4 Pro

Liberty 4 Pro are premium earbuds built for audiophiles and everyday listeners. They deliver rich, detailed sound and advanced noise control.

• 7-Sensor Active Noise Cancelling: Includes 6 sound-detecting sensors plus a barometric pressure sensor to adjust ANC in real time, delivering about 3× stronger noise reduction.
• Touch Bar and Display on Case: You can control ANC or transparency levels directly from the charging case without needing to reach for your phone.
• Super-Fast Charging: A 5-minute charge provides up to 4 hours of playback time.
• Battery Life: Delivers 10 hours per charge with ANC off and 7.5 hours with ANC on. With the case, you get 40 hours of use in total with ANC off.
• Hi-Fi Sound Drivers: Includes a 10.5 mm driver and a titanium-coated tweeter.
• Connectivity: Supports Bluetooth 5.3 and Bluetooth Multipoint.
• Codecs: Supports SBC, AAC, LDAC.
• Water Resistant: Features IPX5 rating, suitable for use during workouts and in light rain.

soundcore Sport X20

Sport X20 is designed for intense workouts. This case offers a secure fit with bass-heavy sound to keep you going.

• Adjustable Ear Hooks: Give the ear hooks a go by rotating or extending them (max. 210° extension and 30° rotation), and enjoy a tight ergonomic fit during any activity.
• IP68 Waterproof and SweatGuard: Features incredible water and sweat resistance—great for intense workouts.
• Active Noise Cancellation: The earbuds cancel out ambient noise for a better listening experience outdoors or at the gym.
• Enhanced Bass: 11 mm drivers with BassUp technology dynamically enhance bass performance.
• Long Battery Life: Provide up to 48 hours of total playback time.
• Customizable Sound: EQ and ANC adjustments are available via the soundcore app.
• Comfort and Durability: Designed for stability, comfort, and wear during exercise.

soundcore Space A40

Space A40 earbuds are affordable, lightweight, and comfortable. They offer premium ANC, a charging case for long-lasting battery life, and audio customisation options at a reasonable price.

• Adaptive ANC with Up to 98% Noise Reduction: Space A40 features an upgraded noise-cancelling system that blocks out a wider range of distracting noises.
• 50 Hours of Playtime: Listen for 10 hours on a single charge, and 50 hours total with the charging case.
• Hi-Res Sound with LDAC: Delivers balanced audio and high-resolution streaming.
• Personalized Sound Through the App: Features HearID, EQ presets, multipoint pairing, customisable touch controls, and gaming mode.
• Clear Calls: 6 AI-enhanced microphones optimise the clarity of your voice.
• Comfort and Design: Enjoy a lightweight design that delivers optimal comfort with five ear tip sizes, plus a wireless charging case for added convenience.

Summary

Model	Key Features
Liberty 4 Pro	Adaptive ANC, touch-case display, speedy charging, long battery, and high-fidelity drivers.
Sport X20	Secure ear hook fit, rugged IP68 build, enhanced bass, extended battery, and designed for use during workouts.
Space A40	Adaptive ANC, ultra-long battery life, Hi-Res audio (LDAC), extensive app tuning, and clear calls.

Signs Your Headphones/Earbuds Are Too Loud

Here are some signs that you may be listening to your headphones/earbuds a little too loudly:

• You experience ringing in your ears, or your hearing is muffled after continued use.
• You subconsciously increase the volume when in a noisy environment.
• Others can hear the music from your earbuds.
• Your ears feel tired or achy.

If you notice these signs, it's probably time to lower the volume. You might also consider headphones/earbuds that provide better sound isolation or ANC.

Features That Help Protect Your Ears

To protect your ears, look for true wireless earbuds with the following features:

• Active Noise Cancelling (ANC): Blocks external sounds so you don't need to turn up the volume excessively.
• Adaptive ANC or Transparency Modes: Noise levels are adjusted automatically to your environment to ensure safe listening levels.
• Secure Fit with Ear Tips: Having a secure seal improves noise isolation and sound clarity.
• High-Quality Audio (Hi-Res, LDAC support): Clearer, richer sound at moderate levels reduces the temptation to raise volume.
• Customised EQ and Hearing Test (HearID): Allows you to tailor sound to your hearing profile, ensuring optimal clarity without increasing the volume.

Are Wireless Earbuds Safer Than Wired Ones?

Wireless earbuds often come with features that promote safer listening, unlike most wired earbuds. Their wire-free design means they're more portable and built for use over extended periods—hence the importance of going for models featuring built-in hearing protection. Wireless earbuds with LDAC support can also transmit High-Res audio, delivering exquisite sound detail in quieter environments. Generally, the louder the music, the more danger to your hearing. With these wireless choices (especially our soundcore picks), listening safely becomes easy.

Protect Your Hearing While Enjoying Sound

To enjoy music and maintain hearing health:

• Follow the 60 / 60 rule: 60% max volume and max 60 minutes per session. Take some breaks.
• Use earbuds that provide good passive isolation or active noise cancellation (e.g., Liberty 4 Pro, Sport X20, and Space A40) so you can keep the volume low.
• Use an EQ or hearing profile setting for clear audio even at low volume levels.
• Use comfortable earbuds that do not press on your ears so you won't have to increase the volume to compensate for them slipping.
• Keep track of how long you typically spend listening to sound and limit it, as long sessions at moderate volumes can still be a hazard.

By applying these safe listening behaviours and combining them with tech that supports your ear health within the earbuds, you can keep your ears healthy without having to compromise on sound quality.

FAQ

Can I use earbuds every day without damaging my hearing?

Yes. It's safe as long as you practice safe listening habits, such as keeping volume at moderate levels, limiting continuous use, and taking breaks so your ears can rest.

What's a safe volume level for earbuds?

Generally speaking, experts consider about 60% of your device's max volume to be safe, as long as breaks are taken in between listening sessions. This helps prevent cumulative damage to your hearing.

Do noise-cancelling earbuds protect hearing?

They can help by reducing the need to increase the volume in noisy environments. Models like Liberty 4 Pro, Sport X20, and Space A40 offer robust ANC and a secure fit, which supports safer listening.