Earbuds vs Headphones: Which one Should you Choose? [POLL]

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Listening to music on your favorite device using an earbud or headphone is commonplace but choosing the wrong type can increase the likelihood of developing hearing loss. Which of the two is safer to use?

According to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, an estimated 15 percent of Americans within the 20 to 69 age range have developed hearing loss due to listening to noise. Approximately 16 percent of teens between the ages of 12 to 19 are believed to have noise-induced hearing loss or NIHL.

NIHL is caused by exposure to loud sounds such as those produced by tools or explosions. The same condition can be acquired by going to loud concerts, playing in a rock band or even using headphones or earbuds when listening to music.

Prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels can increase the chances of developing hearing loss. According to Dr. David Schessel, a specialist on hearing and head of the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Division at Stony Brook Medicine, the louder the sound, the shorter the amount of time it takes to develop NIHL.

Medical Daily reports that listening to noises above 90 decibels for eight hours a day will result in hearing loss in the long run. That is as loud as a running subway train.

Between earbuds and headphones, the medical publication says earbuds are more dangerous.

Why? As earbuds are designed to go deeper into the ear, the sound they produce is louder, potentially adding up to 9 decibels of volume. Substandard types produce distorted or uneven sound levels, prompting users to pump up the volume even higher.

Water Town Daily Times has listed a number of red flags which should indicate if there is a need to see a specialist. If you feel pain in your ears, ringing, vertigo or you find too much ear wax or discharge, consult a doctor immediately.

According to a report by the Colorado Public Radio, taking the National Hearing Test is one quick way to determine if there is any hearing impairment.

Ultimately, the medical publication says that using a set of headphones with the volume turned down is an effective way to keep your ears in good shape longer. Gizmodo has a few recommendations on headphones for different types of music lovers.

Do you have any suggestions on headphones? Answer the poll or let us know in the comments section below on what you think.