Why noise-cancelling headphones damage your brain’s ability to process sound, per audiology experts
Noise-cancelling headphones are used to drown out the sound of colleagues while you're trying to focus work, get in the zone when lifting in the gym or avoid distractions when meditating. But now audiologists warn they could also be damaging your hearing.
Five NHS audiology departments told the BBC that there has been an increase in the number of young people referred to them from GPs with hearing issues. However, the experts warn that their hearing is fine – it's their ability to process sound that's impacted.
Known as auditory processing disorder (APD), the neurological condition means the brain finds it difficult to understand sounds and spoken words.
The NHS says APD is typically seen in people who have had regular ear infections, a head injury or complications at birth. It's also more common in neurodiverse people. However, ADP is now becoming more common in people without these complications, making audiologists question if other factors, like noise-cancelling headphones, are contributing.
The symptoms of APD
APD is described as "what we do with what we hear", which means how the central nervous system uses auditory information it receives,' say researchers into the condition.
The symptoms, say the NHS, may include finding it difficult to understand:
people speaking in noisy places
people with strong accents or fast talkers
similar sounding words
spoken instructions
Why might headphones cause APD?
This link is anecdotal and the link is just a hypothesis – there's no solid proof that headphones may be to blame. However, audiologists told the BBC that there had been a 'significant increase in demand' for services and APD assessments.
Claire Benton, vice president of the British Academy of Audiology, told the BBC that noise-cancelling headphones that block the layers of sound may make it harder for the brain to learn what to focus on.
She suggested that by blocking out everyday sounds such as train noise or car beeps, the brain may 'forget' to filter the noises out itself. '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,' she said.
'Those more complex, high-level listening skills in your brain only really finish developing towards your late teens. So, 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.'
If you work in loud environments, noise-cancelling headphones can help preserve your hearing.
What to do about APD
If you are worried that your listening and noise processing may be compromised, it's important to get it checked out. Book an appointment with a GP who can refer you to audiology services if needed.
The treatment for APD involves auditory training – doing activities to improve listening and concentration.
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