GP Dr Lavan Varathan warns that Gen Z are inflicting permanent hearing damage by wearing AirPods for up to 12 hours daily, including while sleeping. He reports that one in five young patients at his Harley Street practice show early signs of hearing deterioration, typically seen two decades later in life.
Dr Varathan, medical director of Gogodoc, states that routine health assessments increasingly detect high-frequency hearing loss in younger adults who use earbuds excessively. He notes that many young people listen to music at high volumes for prolonged periods, accelerating hearing decline.
Naturally, high-frequency hearing loss occurs around age 50, but Dr Varathan observes it 10 to 20 years earlier in Gen Z. A study by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People found that 58% of 18- to 28-year-olds have experienced hearing loss, tinnitus, or both after listening to music.
Dr Varathan explains that noise above 85 decibels can damage hearing, but even lower levels over extended periods can cause issues. He highlights that tiny hair cells in the inner ear, called cilia, cannot regenerate once damaged, making repeated loud sound exposure particularly harmful.
He advises following the “60/60 rule”: listening at no more than 60% volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time, followed by a 30-minute break. He also recommends cleaning AirPods weekly to prevent wax buildup and infections.
