Research from Specsavers has found that 27% of Brits cannot leave their home without their headphones, with many people listening to music and podcasts at excessively high volumes.
A poll of 158 adults found we are more attached than ever to our headphones and people are even willing to go back home up to six minutes into their journey if they realise they’ve forgotten them.
Molly Brackpool, audiology director at Specsavers in Bradley Stoke, says: “Prolonged exposure to loud sounds through headphones can cause permanent damage to the delicate structures inside the ear. This can lead to issues such as hearing loss and tinnitus, which are often irreversible and can worsen over time.”
Despite the overreliance, 17% of people admit they have rarely or never considered the impact their headphones could be taking on their hearing, particularly if they are listening to their music at excessive volumes. Worryingly, on average 26% confessed to regularly ignoring warnings on their phone telling them the volume is too loud.
Molly adds: “With New Year’s resolutions now in full swing, many of which are fitness-focused, more people are reaching for their headphones during workouts, often at unsafe volumes. It’s important to be mindful of how loud and how long you’re listening for, as the damage isn’t always immediately noticeable.”