Noise-Canceling Headphones May Cause Hearing Problems, Impair Brain Function, Experts Warn

Doctors are raising concerns about a potential link between prolonged use of noise-canceling headphones and a rise in Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) among young adults.

APD is a neurological condition where individuals struggle to interpret and process sounds despite normal hearing. Audiologists told the BBC that a growing number of people, particularly those who have used noise-canceling technology for years, are experiencing difficulties distinguishing speech in noisy environments and identifying the direction of sounds.

Experts suggest that excessive use of noise-canceling technology may impair the brain’s natural ability to process background noise. The brain learns to filter sounds through continuous exposure to background noise, but long-term use of these devices could weaken this ability.

The brain’s development related to listening skills continues into the late teens, and consistent use of noise-canceling headphones may delay this process as the brain "forgets" to filter out noise.

"You have almost created this false environment by wearing those headphones of only listening to what you want to listen to. You are not having to work at it," Claire Benton, vice-president of the British Academy of Audiology, told BBC.

"If you have only been wearing noise-cancelling headphones and been in this false world for your late teens then you are slightly delaying your ability to process speech and noise."

APD affects approximately 3% to 5% of school-aged children, according to KidsHealth. In children with learning difficulties, the prevalence is significantly higher, with studies indicating that up to 43% of these children may have APD, data from the Auditory Processing Center showed. In adults, 2011 figures estimate it affects about 0.9% of the adult population.

There is currently no conclusive scientific study confirming a direct link between noise cancellation and APD, but the growing number of reported cases has prompted calls for further research. As the cases increase, audiologists recommend taking regular breaks from using them to allow the brain to engage with natural sounds.

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