Headphone and earbud safety Children's Wisconsin
At Every Turn > Primary Care > Ear buds and headphones: Safe listening tips for kids and teens
Tips Nov 16, 2020

Ear buds and headphones: Safe listening tips for kids and teens

Sharyl Paley, MD, Pediatrician

Screen time has long been a concern for parents. While those fears mostly revolved around a lack of physical activity, social isolation or interference with a child’s sleep cycle, there is another, often overlooked, issue that parents should be aware of: hearing loss. 

When your kids are on a tablet or computer — playing a video game, watching a movie or going to school — in all likelihood they’re using headphones, either over-the-ear headphones or ear buds (which are essentially a pair of tiny speakers you wear inside your ears). And now with so many schools going virtual, the amount of time kids spend in front of a computer with their ears plugged into headphones is only increasing. 

Using headphones at loud volumes, so close to the eardrum, can cause hearing damage or loss. Hearing loss results from damage to structures and/or nerve fibers in the inner ear that respond to sound. Noise-induced hearing loss is usually caused by exposure to excessively loud sounds. Sadly, it cannot be corrected.

While there are many different causes of noise-induced hearing loss, the increased use of portable listening devices can’t be ignored. In fact, a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that one in five teenagers have experienced some degree of hearing loss. 

Hearing damage is similar to sun damage — too much exposure over time can cause harm. As headphone use becomes more integrated into classrooms, learning environments and everyday life, it’s essential to take steps that can help prevent potential hearing damage in your kids. 

Here are some tips for safe listening:

  • Keep it down: I’ll start with the obvious. A good guideline to follow is keeping the volume to about half the maximum or quieter. If you can hear their music, video game or school instruction while they are using headphones, it’s too loud. Your child should be able to hear conversations going on around them, according to the American Association for Pediatrics. 

  • Take breaks: Like any part of your body, your ears can get tired, and any damage from noise is made worse with longer exposure. Think of the 60-60 rule: 60 percent volume for 60 minutes. This also can also help manage and control screen time.

  • Be an example: If children see you blaring your tunes, it’ll be tougher for them to want to keep the volume down. Also talk to your kids about proper listening volumes. Let them know about the 60-60 rule. 

Understanding loud sounds

Decibels (dB) above 85 can lead to hearing damage or loss in as soon as two hours or as little as two minutes. Here are a few examples of decibel levels of common sounds.

  • Students whispering: 20 dB

  • Refrigerator hum: 40 dB

  • Normal conversation: 60 dB

  • City traffic (inside the car): 80-85 dB

  • Max volume on headphones: 110 dB

  • Concert: 120 dB

  • Firecrackers: 140-150 dB

Signs to look for

Noise-induced hearing loss usually takes a while and the signs can be subtle. Signs may include: 

  • Ringing, buzzing, hissing or roaring in one or both ears after a hearing a loud noise

  • Muffling or distortion of sounds

If your child complains of this or any other ear pain, you should contact your child’s pediatrician. 

Your Children’s Wisconsin primary care provider offers hearing testing at annual well visits starting at age 4. We track your child’s hearing and look for any indication of hearing damage or loss. If we suspect your child has compromised hearing, we will recommend you see an audiologist. The audiologist will be able to administer a series of tests to determine how your child’s hearing has been affected. 

Children’s Wisconsin has more than 20 primary care offices conveniently located throughout the Milwaukee area and southeast Wisconsin. Find a pediatrician near you. View more articles from Sharyl Paley, MD

Related stories

Beige parenting Children's Wisconsin
Tips Apr 02, 2025

The Rainbow Connection: How the Beige Parenting Trend Can Affect Children

Elizabeth Frantal, PA-C Physician Assistant

Beige parenting deviates from the bright colors and bold patterns that have dominated baby items for decades.

Children's Wisconsin Eating Disorder Program Adolescent Health and Medicine
Tips Mar 26, 2025

What Parents Need To Know About the Rise in Eating Disorders

Margaret Thew, DNP, FNP-BC Family Nurse Practitioner

Eating disorders can affect many parts of a child’s life, including how they feel physically and emotionally, as well as their friendships.

How to treat seasonal allergies in kids Children's Wisconsin
Tips Mar 21, 2025

Kids and Seasonal Allergies: Navigating Symptoms and Solutions

Andrew MacGinnitie, MD Allergy Immunology Specialist

Knowing what’s causing your child’s seasonal allergies can be helpful in minimizing exposure to common triggers.

Is your kid ready for overnight summer camp Children's Wisconsin
Tips Mar 18, 2025

Happy Campers: How To Tell if Your Child Is Ready for Overnight Camp

Maggie Moegenburg, LCSW Behavioral Health Consultant

If you’re thinking about sending your child to an overnight camp, it’s essential to assess whether they’re ready.

Measles outbreak United States 2025 Children's Wisconsin
Tips Mar 10, 2025

Measles outbreak shows importance of getting your kids vaccinated

Frank Zhu, MD Medical Director

The recent measles outbreak is a regrettable reminder to all of us of just how preventable this disease truly is when your child is vaccinated.

Teaching kids about finances and money management Children's Wisconsin
Tips Mar 04, 2025

Dollars and Sense: Teaching Kids About Money

Sadia Hussain, DO Pediatrician

How to build healthy attitudes and practices about money.

How to identify and treat dry winter skin Children's Wisconsin
Tips Feb 26, 2025

Dry Days: How To Treat Itchy Skin in the Winter

Leah Lalor, MD Dermatologist

How to treat identify, treat and prevent dry skin in the winter.