By Amadin Idahosa

Before we brief you on how to use earbuds safely, it is best to note that we live in a world where it has become an extension of ourselves. Whether we’re catching up on voice notes, listening to our favorite playlists, or escaping into a podcast on the commute home, these little devices have become part of our daily routine. However, as useful and convenient as earbuds are, they also pose risks, particularly to our hearing health.

I know a lot of us don’t think about this. I didn’t either, until I started getting a mild ringing in my ears after long sessions of listening to music while working. At first, I brushed it off. But over time, I began to realize that something wasn’t right. After some research and a few chats with a friend in the tech space, I understood how easily we can damage our hearing without even realizing it.

In Nigeria, where electricity supply is often inconsistent and noisy environments are the norm—think honking danfos, generators roaring like lions, or market vendors shouting prices—most of us crank up the volume just to hear anything. But this seemingly harmless habit might be slowly damaging our ears.

Here are Some Tips on How to Use Earbuds Safely, and I’m Sharing Them in the Hope that They’ll Help You Too.

How to Use Earbuds Safely: Prevent Hearing Damage with These Simple Tips

1. First, on how to use earbuds safely, is to follow the 60/60 Rule

This one is simple and easy to remember: don’t use your earbuds at more than 60% volume for more than 60 minutes at a time. That’s it.

The idea is to give your ears a break and avoid prolonged exposure to high sound levels. Most phones and music apps show the volume percentage or give a warning when you’re going too high. Heed those warnings. Trust me, your ears will thank you later.

Sometimes I set a timer on my phone to remind me to take out my earbuds and let my ears rest for a bit, especially on those days when I’m working remotely or stuck in traffic for hours.

2. Use Noise-Isolating Earbuds

I used to think that turning up the volume was the only way to drown out background noise. But then I discovered noise-isolating earbuds. These are designed to fit snugly in your ears and block out external sounds, so you don’t have to crank up the volume to hear your music or calls.

In places like Lagos or Port Harcourt, where you can hardly find a quiet corner, these types of earbuds are a game-changer. They help you hear better at lower volumes, reducing the risk of hearing damage.

When buying earbuds, check for features like “noise-isolating” or “in-ear seal.” They make a big difference.

3. Avoid Using Just One Earbud

Many people think using just one of their earbuds reduces the risk of hearing loss. Ironically, it might do more harm than good, especially if you compensate by raising the volume in that one ear.

Our ears are meant to work together. Using both earbuds at moderate volume distributes the sound more evenly and helps preserve your hearing on both sides. If you must use only one (say, for safety while walking in public), keep the volume low.

4. Clean Your Earbuds Regularly

This might sound like hygiene advice, but it’s also about safety. Dirty earbuds can carry bacteria that may lead to ear infections, which, if left untreated, can affect hearing.

The dusty harmattan, humid rainy season, and even our daily sweat can all contribute to dirt build-up on earbuds. I make it a habit to clean mine weekly with a soft cloth slightly dampened with rubbing alcohol, especially the mesh area. It’s a small effort that goes a long way.

5. Don’t Sleep with Your Earbuds In

I know, I know—some people can’t sleep without listening to music or white noise. I used to be one of them, especially during NEPA blackouts when the heat and noise made it impossible to fall asleep.

But sleeping with earbuds in can increase the risk of earwax build-up, soreness, or worse—hearing damage from accidental volume spikes. Plus, it’s not safe in case of emergencies, where you need to be alert to your environment.

If you really must have background noise while you sleep, try a small bedside speaker at low volume instead.

How to Use Earbuds Safely: Prevent Hearing Damage with These Simple Tips

6. Know the Signs of Early Hearing Loss

Most people don’t realize they’re losing their hearing until it’s significantly impaired. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the early signs.

Do you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves more often than before? Do voices sound muffled or distant, even when the person is nearby? Do you have a persistent ringing in your ears, especially after listening to music?

If you notice any of these, it might be time to take a break from your earbuds and visit a hearing specialist. In cities like Abuja and Lagos, more audiologists and ENT specialists are available now than ever before. Take advantage of them.

7. Don’t Share Your Earbuds

This one’s a bit cultural. We tend to share everything—food, clothes, even devices. But sharing earbuds is risky. Everyone’s ears have different bacteria, and passing earbuds around can spread infections.

It’s better to keep your earbuds to yourself. If someone needs to borrow, wipe them down first or use a separate pair you don’t mind sharing.

8. Take Listening Breaks

This one has helped me the most. Now and then, I just unplug and let my ears breathe. Silence is healing. It gives your auditory nerves time to reset and reduces fatigue.

During long work or study sessions, I use the “20-20-20 rule” for both eyes and ears: every 20 minutes, I take a 20-second break, and look 20 feet away (or just walk around). It’s a holistic way to rest both your eyes and ears—important when screens and earbuds are constantly in use.

Final Tips on Earbuds Safely Utilised

After considering some tips on using earbuds safely, it is noteworthy to often think of hearing loss as something that happens to older people. But with the way we use earbuds today, especially in noisy, bustling environments like ours, more young people are at risk than ever before.

Hearing damage is gradual, and once it happens, it’s usually irreversible. That’s why prevention is key. You don’t have to stop using earbuds altogether—just use them wisely.

Protecting your hearing is an investment in your future. Whether you’re working in tech, chasing gigs as a DJ, doing deliveries on a bike, or just unwinding after a long day, your ears are one of your most important tools. Treat them with care.