Are Noise-Cancelling Headphones a Silent Threat to Your Brain?

We often rely on noise-cancelling headphones to create a personal oasis in a noisy world. But while they offer a welcome escape, some audiologists are raising concerns about their overuse. Our Diagnostic Audiologist, Dr. Sandra Cummings, recently spoke on RTE's Drivetime to discuss this issue, focusing on a condition called Auditory Processing Disorder (APD).

Understanding Auditory Processing

Dr. Cummings explained that hearing isn't just about our ears; it's also about our brain's ability to process sound. From birth, our brains are trained to filter out irrelevant background noise, a skill known as auditory processing. This vital skill allows us to focus on a conversation in a crowded room.

The problem with noise-cancelling headphones is that they essentially do this job for us, limiting the brain's exposure to ambient sounds. When used for prolonged periods, our brains can "unlearn" this natural filtering skill.

What is Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)?

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a condition where the brain has difficulty interpreting sounds, especially in noisy environments, even when hearing is otherwise normal. While APD has always been a recognised condition, we are seeing an increase in teenagers and young adults presenting with symptoms. This trend has led us to question if the overuse of noise-cancelling headphones is contributing to the issue.

Everything in Moderation

Dr. Cummings compared the overuse of noise-cancelling headphones to wearing dark sunglasses all the time. When you take them off, everything seems too bright, and your eyes struggle to adjust. Similarly, when you remove the headphones, your brain is suddenly exposed to a barrage of sounds it has "unlearned" to filter.

However, using them in moderation is perfectly acceptable. For instance, wearing them on a plane to help you sleep or during a workout is fine. The concern lies in wearing them for hours on end, particularly during the critical developmental years of the brain in teenagers and young adults.

Our Approach 

At Beacon Audiology, we specialise in Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) assessments for both children and adults. As Ireland's first and only clinic to offer the "gold standard" of APD assessments and treatment protocols, we can diagnose the issue and create an individualised treatment plan. The goal is to retrain the brain to re-learn how to process sounds effectively.

If you or a loved one are concerned about auditory processing disorder, we’re here to help. Book an appointment today with one of our specialists.