Health experts in Brazil have released practical recommendations for the safe use of headphones to prevent permanent hearing damage.

These guidelines come as auditory health becomes a global concern. Prolonged exposure to high volume levels can lead to irreversible hearing loss, creating a public health challenge as headphone use becomes more ubiquitous.

Dr. Rubens Brito, an otorhinolaryngologist and associate professor at FMUSP, and speech-therapist Paula Junqueira appeared on the program CNN Sinais Vitais to discuss the risks. Both experts are coordinators at Hospital Sírio-Libanês in São Paulo. They said that while headphones are a common tool for music and communication, they must be used with caution to avoid damaging the inner ear.

The specialists said users should keep volume levels low and incorporate regular breaks into their listening habits. By limiting the duration of exposure and the intensity of the sound, users can significantly reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss.

The need for these precautions is underscored by global projections. The World Health Organization estimates that 2.5 billion [1] people worldwide could have hearing loss by 2050.

Public discourse regarding the safety of these devices has seen contradictions. Some reports, such as those from Correio Braziliense, have suggested that using Bluetooth headphones is akin to putting a microwave in one's head. However, other sources, including Abril Saúde, said headphones are safe when volume is kept low and a simple rule is followed.

Dr. Brito and Junqueira focused on the controllable factors of volume and time. They said that the primary danger is not the technology itself, but the habit of listening to loud audio for extended periods without rest.

“Headphones are safe when volume is kept low and a simple rule is followed”

The emphasis on behavioral changes—volume control and timed breaks—suggests that hearing loss is increasingly viewed as a preventable lifestyle condition. With a significant portion of the global population at risk by 2050, the shift toward preventative education over medical intervention is critical for reducing the long-term burden on healthcare systems.