Headphones are a pair of small loudspeakers worn on or around the head over a user’s ears, but are you using them correctly? Headphones let a single user listen to an audio source privately, in contrast to a loudspeaker, which emits sound into the open air for anyone nearby to hear. Headphones are also known as earphones or, colloquially, cans. Headphones have been around since the late 19th century and are even more popular today. 

Here are some guidelines for using headphones safely:

• Keep the volume low. The louder the volume, the more likely you are to damage your hearing. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends keeping the volume of your headphones below 85 decibels (dB). You can use a smartphone app to measure the volume of your headphones.
• Take breaks. Even if you’re keeping the volume low, it’s still a good idea to take breaks from listening to headphones. The WHO recommends taking a 15-minute break after every 60 minutes of listening.
• Avoid using headphones in loud environments. If you’re going to be listening to headphones in a loud environment, such as a concert or sporting event, use noise-canceling headphones. These headphones can help to block out some of the surrounding noise, so you don’t have to turn up the volume as high.
• Don’t use headphones for sleeping. Sleeping with headphones in can block out important sounds, such as a fire alarm or a crying baby. It can also lead to ear infections and skin irritation.
• Be aware of your surroundings. When you’re wearing headphones, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. You don’t want to be so focused on your music that you don’t hear someone coming up behind you or a car coming down the street.
• Don’t let your children use headphones for long periods of time. Children’s ears are more sensitive to noise than adults’ ears. The WHO recommends that children under the age of 12 should not listen to headphones for more than 60 minutes per day.

By following these guidelines, you can help to protect your hearing and enjoy your headphones safely.

Here are some additional tips for using headphones safely:

• Choose headphones that fit well and don’t put too much pressure on your ears.
• Clean your headphones regularly to remove dirt and earwax.
• If you experience any pain or discomfort while using headphones, stop using them immediately.
• If you have any concerns about your hearing, see a doctor.