An audiologist breaks down how the popular headphones work and how they can affect ear health
Recent headlines in the United Kingdom earlier this year attributed noise-cancelling headphones as a possible culprit in rising rates of auditory processing disorder (APD) and hearing problems in younger populations. While the APD theory is interesting, it's speculation that's not backed up by the data, according to a campus audiologist.
However, the resulting media attention does raise awareness of the problem of APD, which occurs when the brain has trouble discerning sound differences, especially in noisy environments, and is treatable. It also puts the spotlight on the popular noise-cancelling headphones and their pros and cons.
"Ultimately, what we're most concerned about is the sound level at your ear in your headphones," said Cory Portnuff, AuD, PhD, assistant clinical professor in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. "One of the advantages of active noise-cancellation headphones is that you may not need to turn your headphones up to avoid external sound, as long as you make sure you know what's happening around you."
In the following Q&A, Portnuff explains the technology behind noise-cancelling headphones, what auditory processing disorder is and how it is treated.
