The increasing global use of personal audio devices, including AirPods and other in-ear technologies, has raised concerns regarding their potential impact on hearing health. Adolescents and young adults, particularly members of Generation Z, may be especially vulnerable due to frequent and prolonged listening at high volume levels. Evidence suggests that exposure exceeding 85 dB over extended periods may contribute to Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), tinnitus, and auditory fatigue. In addition to auditory effects, emerging literature indicates possible psychosocial and hygiene-related implications, including reduced environmental awareness and ear canal infections associated with prolonged in-ear use. This narrative mini-review was conducted using a structured literature search of peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2024. Electronic databases searched included PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Search terms comprised combinations of “AirPods, Hearing Health, Noise-Induced Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, Ear Infections, Public Health, Safe Listening.” Original research articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published in English were included, while non-peer-reviewed sources and duplicate studies were excluded. The reviewed evidence highlights the growing public health relevance of unsafe listening practices, particularly in low- and middle-income settings where preventive programs and regulatory measures remain limited. Strengthening safe listening education, promoting volume moderation strategies such as the “60–60 rule,” encouraging routine device hygiene, and supporting policy engagement with manufacturers may contribute to reducing preventable hearing disorders associated with personal audio device use.
Josiah Sandetwa (Fri,) studied this question.