Excessive use of earbuds, earphones, or headphones can quietly damage your hearing over time. Just like smartphones have usage guidelines, audio devices also come with a safety principle known as the 60:60 rule—a rule many people are still unaware of.

Ignoring this simple guideline can increase the risk of long-term hearing problems, including partial hearing loss and tinnitus.

Dangers of Excessive Earbud Use

Listening to audio for long hours, especially at high volume, can cause several issues:

• Increased risk of ear infections

• Persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears, known as tinnitus

• Gradual and sometimes irreversible hearing damage

Because the damage happens slowly, many users don’t realize the harm until symptoms become noticeable.

What Is the 60:60 Rule?

According to a report by 9to5Mac, the 60:60 rule means:

• Use earbuds or headphones for no more than 60 minutes at a time

• Keep the volume at 60% or lower

• Take a break after each session

Following this rule significantly reduces strain on your ears and helps prevent long-term damage.

Apple’s Built-In Hearing Safety Alerts

Apple actively promotes safe listening habits. If you consistently listen at high volumes using AirPods, Apple sends safety notifications to warn you.

You can also monitor and control your listening habits by going to:
Settings → Sounds & Haptics → Headphone Safety

Here, users can:

• View listening history

• Set decibel limits

• Enable automatic volume reduction

Protect Your Ears Early

Hearing loss often develops silently and is difficult to reverse. Using earbuds responsibly—by following the 60:60 rule, lowering volume, and taking regular breaks—can go a long way in protecting your hearing for the future.