Loud noises are generally thought of as the most dangerous threat to one's hearing.
And while it might be true that endless hours next to speakers at rock concerts or incessant jackhammering at work without proper protection do their fair share of damage, there are other more subtle causes to trouble out there.
Sometimes, it's not the fault of one's surroundings, but rather a single device, that ends up causing trouble with one's ears.
And unlike previous years, where it might have taken a long time for hearing damage to actually set in, a perfect storm of factors in the digital age are leading to more and more cases where trouble with hearing starts earlier and earlier.
For those who are listening to music on headphones more than they are on stereo systems, the risks for trouble are even higher.
But with a couple of simple steps, it's possible to get around the same risks that cause so many others to lose hearing at younger ages.
Here are seven reasons to pick the right headphones, which makes the difference between healthy ears and a world of trouble.
#1 - Noise-canceling headphones actually do their job.
If you pick these, then you're not going to need to turn the volume all the way up just to hear what's playing over the sounds of the city.
And less volume means less long-term damage.
#2 - Volume controls.
Some headphones come with built-in volume control, meaning there's another way to limit just how loud the tunes get without relying on the laptop or portable music advice that might not have a limit in place.
#3 - Exposure times.
More and more people are getting their music fix with headphones on, meaning that sometimes there are hours of headphone use.
With loud volumes, this can cause some serious damage.
It's important, then, to actually take breaks, no matter what headphones are being used.
But with those models that provide some canceling of outside noises, there is less of a risk of hours of music being piped in resulting in hearing loss.
#4 - Longevity.
In addition to being bad for ears, cheaper headphones have a tendency to break quicker.
This means that the money spent replacing them should have been put towards a better pair, which will not just be healthier, but also better for one's budget.
#5 - Earbuds are the biggest cause of early-onset hearing loss.
In incredibly young people, the impact of listening to music through earbuds has been blamed for serious increases in hearing loss.
Because there is no muffling from outside noises and because the earbuds sit deeper in the ear than traditional headphones, it means a direct line of damage.
The sort of damage earbuds can inflict is the most important reason to pick the right headphones.
#6 - Long-term safety.
With more people listening through headphones, making an informed decision the first time can save a ton of money in the future, and lead to less health problems.
It makes sense to get it right the first time.
#7 - City noise and music listening.
With more people choosing to live in louder areas, where it makes sense to spend time listening to music through headphones rather than competing with neighbors who are blaring stereos, it's important to make sure that the headphones in place don't require serious blasting of volume.
And while it might be true that endless hours next to speakers at rock concerts or incessant jackhammering at work without proper protection do their fair share of damage, there are other more subtle causes to trouble out there.
Sometimes, it's not the fault of one's surroundings, but rather a single device, that ends up causing trouble with one's ears.
And unlike previous years, where it might have taken a long time for hearing damage to actually set in, a perfect storm of factors in the digital age are leading to more and more cases where trouble with hearing starts earlier and earlier.
For those who are listening to music on headphones more than they are on stereo systems, the risks for trouble are even higher.
But with a couple of simple steps, it's possible to get around the same risks that cause so many others to lose hearing at younger ages.
Here are seven reasons to pick the right headphones, which makes the difference between healthy ears and a world of trouble.
#1 - Noise-canceling headphones actually do their job.
If you pick these, then you're not going to need to turn the volume all the way up just to hear what's playing over the sounds of the city.
And less volume means less long-term damage.
#2 - Volume controls.
Some headphones come with built-in volume control, meaning there's another way to limit just how loud the tunes get without relying on the laptop or portable music advice that might not have a limit in place.
#3 - Exposure times.
More and more people are getting their music fix with headphones on, meaning that sometimes there are hours of headphone use.
With loud volumes, this can cause some serious damage.
It's important, then, to actually take breaks, no matter what headphones are being used.
But with those models that provide some canceling of outside noises, there is less of a risk of hours of music being piped in resulting in hearing loss.
#4 - Longevity.
In addition to being bad for ears, cheaper headphones have a tendency to break quicker.
This means that the money spent replacing them should have been put towards a better pair, which will not just be healthier, but also better for one's budget.
#5 - Earbuds are the biggest cause of early-onset hearing loss.
In incredibly young people, the impact of listening to music through earbuds has been blamed for serious increases in hearing loss.
Because there is no muffling from outside noises and because the earbuds sit deeper in the ear than traditional headphones, it means a direct line of damage.
The sort of damage earbuds can inflict is the most important reason to pick the right headphones.
#6 - Long-term safety.
With more people listening through headphones, making an informed decision the first time can save a ton of money in the future, and lead to less health problems.
It makes sense to get it right the first time.
#7 - City noise and music listening.
With more people choosing to live in louder areas, where it makes sense to spend time listening to music through headphones rather than competing with neighbors who are blaring stereos, it's important to make sure that the headphones in place don't require serious blasting of volume.