The health ministry has warned against using headphones and earbuds for extended periods, recommending that users avoid using wired or wireless devices for longer than two hours every day. If utilised for this length of time, listening sessions should be interspersed with periodic pauses.
Dr. Atul Goel, the director general of health services, stated in a letter to all states and UTs for public distribution that current research has demonstrated that extended and excessive exposure to loud music and other sounds through personal audio devices can cause irreversible hearing impairment. "Evidence has shown there is a temporary shift of hearing acuity (ability to hear and distinguish sounds) after prolonged use of an earphone/headphone or ear plug, which is generally a high-frequency hearing loss that is not easily noticeable in day-to-day life," he said.
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"This change in hearing acuity can be irreversible and lead to permanent hearing loss if the use of earbuds, headphones, or earplugs is extended and continuous. Long-term, risky use can also induce tinnitus, a persistent ringing or buzzing sound in the ears, in certain people," the senior official stated.
According to Goel, dangerous listening practices put the younger generation at greater risk. According to him, youngsters are also at risk of being exposed to loud noises due to the growing popularity of online gaming.