Noise-canceling headphones have become an increasingly popular way to enjoy music, podcasts, or audiobooks without environmental interruption. Whether you’re relaxing on a plane, going for a walk, or simply listening around the home, they offer a break from day-to-day life. But do they actually protect your hearing?
Noise-canceling headphones reduce the amount of sound reaching your ears by creating a soundwave that cancels out the incoming noise. They’re designed to block irritating or unwanted ambient sounds using active noise control for low frequency and soundproofing for higher frequency. They do this by manipulating how soundwaves interact to result in phase cancellation.
The truth is noise canceling headphones do not protect your hearing. That’s not how they’re intended to work.
While these headphones reduce the amount of sound that reaches your ears, they can’t eliminate it. And they won’t necessarily protect your hearing from loud noises, especially if you’re turning the volume up on your device.
Simply put, with background noise at a minimum, you shouldn’t need to turn the volume all the way up, which is excellent news to your ears, who are already working hard!
To support your hearing health with headphones, remember 60 is the magic number:
60% of your device’s volume is safe for your hearing and allows you to enjoy your favorite tunes! Then, after 60 minutes or so of listening, give your ears a break to rest.
One of the best ways to protect your hearing for the long term is understanding and paying attention to the decibel levels around you and making necessary adjustments! Anything over 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing damage after prolonged exposure.
To put this into perspective:
Nowadays, you can use your favorite device to alert you if your headphones are too loud!
For Apple products, you can adjust notifications about specific decibel levels:
Limit loud headphone sounds by following these steps:
Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Headphone Safety > turn on Reduce Loud Sounds
The best sound meter app for Android devices is Sound Meter. Learn more about it and download it here.
Are you looking for more ways to protect your hearing? I always recommend investing in ear protection, such as ear plugs. Bring them when you know you’ll be exposed to loud sounds, especially if you’re working with power tools or attending concerts or sporting events.
→ Read our article about proper ear protection for sporting events!
Wearing noise-canceling headphones lets you enjoy your favorite music, radio programs, or podcasts, but don’t rely on them to protect your hearing. That’s a job you can leave to the audiologists at SoundGate!
If you think your hearing is suffering or you’re curious about what to do, look at our services and then make an appointment with our Minnesota hearing aid professionals. You can fill out the form here or call us at 952-922-2408.
Our audiologists take the time to get to know you and your hearing needs before assembling a plan. Our goal is to protect, support, and improve your hearing so that you can get back to your favorite sounds.
Schedule your appointment at one of our four Minnesota SoundGate Hearing locations:
Until next time,
Dr. Sarah Binfet
Hello, I am Sarah! I have been an Audiologist since 2019 when I received my doctorate degree from A.T. Still University in Arizona and undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota. I have a passion to help people with their hearing healthcare. Coming from a family with hearing impaired individuals, I know the importance for personalized hearing care and best Audiology practices. Raised in small town Minnesota, I enjoy my time being outside, on the golf course or on the lake up north. I have 2 young children who keep me on my toes and always laughing.
My name is Brooke, and I have been working at SoundGate Hearing since July of 2023. I love being a part of a team that puts the customers first. Being able to help others has always been a passion of mine. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and traveling.
I have worked in a variety of roles in the hearing industry since graduating from Minnesota State University-Moorhead with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. I have worked at SoundGate Hearing since 2013 and have substantial experience with both the technical and business sides of the industry. I understand the fundamental need to provide strong support for our patients. I spend my free time away from the office with my active family. I enjoy a wide variety of activities, including travel, hiking, camping, fishing, and all things outdoors. I am a passionate hockey and soccer parent and fan.
Hello, I am Kara, and I am so excited to continue serving the Buffalo area and providing hearing care at SoundGate Hearing. I grew up in SW, MN, in a small town, and I love the sense of community that small towns offer. I have worked at SoundGate since 2019 and love the personalized care this clinic provides patients. In my free time, I enjoy reading, staying active, spending time outdoors, and soaking up as much lake time as I can in our short MN summers.
Welcome! I am Dr. Sarah Binfet and I have been a Doctor of Audiology since 2006. I proudly served Veterans at the Minneapolis VA for nearly 9 years. I established Blaine Hearing Center in 2013 in conjunction with my husband's optometric practice. It has been a wonderful partnership and enjoyable to see each other at work! In 2015, I had the opportunity to grow my practice when I purchased SoundGate Hearing from my mentor, Dr. Wendy Davis. I genuinely love what I do and feel that helping people hear is essential to their quality of life. I believe in creating a welcoming and supportive environment in which the patient and their families can be educated on their hearing loss, hearing aid options, and how to have the best success with their hearing aids. At SoundGate, we deeply care about our patients and their outcomes. We want everyone to genuinely enjoy their hearing aids and the benefits they bring. I am committed to offering my patients the most up to date digital hearing aid technology, which is why I carry a full line of manufacturers. There is no one right hearing aid for everyone. It is my job to help my patients navigate the complex works of hearing aids and decide on which products best meet their needs, goals and budget. I have discovered the benefit of giving patients the opportunity to trial hearing aids out of the office. A hearing aid trial is most helpful in navigating the complex journey of better hearing. A Minnesotan through and through, I was raised in Eden Prairie, MN, received my undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas and my Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Minnesota. When not at work, you will find me cooking, hitting up the newest restaurants and fitting in as much yoga as possible. During the weekend, you will find my husband Rodney and me with our three kids, Evelyn, Jake and Sam, loving the outdoors at our family cabin on Leech Lake. I look forward to meeting you.
My name is Kathy, and I am a Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) with SoundGate Hearing. I have been in hearing health for 18 years. I am passionate about helping people live their best lives with the best hearing possible. Getting to know patients is a joy for me. My position is a lot like a Nurse Practitioner’s. I am licensed to perform many services to help you while I work with and for the Audiologists for your best care. In my spare time, you will find my husband and I enjoying our three busy grandsons, reading with my book club, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I am so glad to be part of the SoundGate Hearing team.