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...
👂💔 The Risks of Ignoring Glue Ear: Why Grommet Treatment Matters! 💡👂 🙋♀️ If your child has been diagnosed with glue ear (otitis media with effusion) and you're considering treatment options, it's essential to understand why grommet insertion might be recommended. Let's dive into the risks of not treating glue ear and how grommets can make a difference! 🩹 ✅ Hearing Loss: One of the most significant risks of untreated glue ear is hearing loss. Persistent fluid buildup in the middle ear can interfere with sound conduction, potentially impacting your child's ability to learn, communicate, and engage with their surroundings. ✅ Speech and Language Development: Hearing plays a crucial role in speech and language development. Untreated glue ear may lead to delays in these areas, affecting your child's communication skills and self-confidence. ✅ Academic Performance: Hearing difficulties can make it challenging for children ...