Why it matters: We're living in an increasingly noisy world, and many people are turning to noise-canceling headphones to escape the cacophony. However, some audiologists are raising concerns that frequently blocking out ambient sounds could negatively impact the brain's ability to process audio effectively.
The issue revolves around a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD), in which the brain struggles to interpret sounds and speech, even when a person's hearing is technically normal. Those with APD often have difficulty determining the direction of sounds or focusing on specific voices in noisy environments.
APD is typically linked to brain injuries, ear infections, and neurodiversity. However, audiologists in England who spoke to the BBC report an increasing number of cases in young people that appear unrelated to these common risk factors. Their theory is that excessive use of noise-canceling headphones may be delaying proper auditory development.
One such case is 25-year-old Sophie, an administrative assistant who was diagnosed with APD last year after struggling to comprehend speech. Her audiologist believes that her habit of using noise-canceling headphones for up to five hours a day may have been a contributing factor. Without subtitles, she found that speeches and lectures often turned into "gibberish."
Claire Benton, VP of the British Academy of Audiology, told the publication that isolating yourself in a noise-free environment during crucial years of brain development may hinder the maturation of complex listening abilities. In short, if all you hear is your music or podcasts, your brain might start forgetting how to tune out unimportant background noises.
"More complex, high-level listening skills in your brain only really finish developing towards your late teens," she suggested.
According to the BBC, several NHS audiology departments have reported an increase in young people referred for hearing issues, only to find that their ears are functioning normally. The real problem? Their brains are struggling to process noise effectively.
Unfortunately, APD assessment and treatment resources are extremely limited within England's public healthcare system. Currently, only one NHS provider offers full diagnostic workups, with a waiting list of nine months. Part of the bottleneck stems from the fact that evaluating APD is incredibly time-intensive, sometimes requiring over two hours of testing, plus additional cognitive assessments.
Should you ditch your AirPods Max? Probably not. Noise cancellation still plays a vital role in preventing noise-induced hearing loss from prolonged exposure to loud volumes. The report specifically highlights the risks of excessive noise cancellation use among young people, particularly teenagers, whose high-level listening skills are still developing.
For them, audiologists emphasize balance as allowing their ears to regularly experience natural, unmuffled environments is essential to maintaining effective sound-filtering abilities.
Noise-canceling headphones may be rewiring young brains, experts warn
