Headphones are no longer an occasional accessory—they’re part of daily life. From early-morning podcasts to late-night playlists, our ears are spending more time under acoustic load than ever before. But a question keeps coming up in clinics, classrooms, and conversations around ear health: Are earbuds worse for your hearing than over-ear headphones? Let’s move beyond opinion and aesthetics. By looking at sound pressure levels , hygiene , and long-term listening behaviour , we can reach a clear, evidence-informed conclusion. 1. Sound Pressure Levels: Distance Matters More Than You Think The single most important factor in headphone-related hearing risk is the amount of sound energy that reaches the inner ear . Earbuds (In-Ear Headphones) Sit millimetres from the eardrum Deliver sound directly into the ear canal Require lower absolute power , but often result in higher sound pressure at the cochlea Users tend to increase volume in noisy environments (commuting, g...
"When your world is spinning, vestibular rehabilitation becomes your compass, guiding you back to a steady path and restoring your sense of direction."
What is vestibular rehabilitation? Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on the treatment of disorders related to the vestibular system. The vestibular system is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation in the body. When this system is disrupted, it can result in symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo (a spinning sensation), imbalance, and unsteadiness. Vestibular rehabilitation aims to alleviate these symptoms and improve overall balance and stability through a series of exercises and therapeutic techniques. The therapy is typically performed by physical therapists or occupational therapists who have specialized training in vestibular rehabilitation. During vestibular rehabilitation, the therapist evaluates the patient's condition and develops an individualized treatment plan based on their specific needs. The therapy may include exercises to improve gaze stability, balance training, habituation e...