Updated September 2026: in 2021 I wrote that I had become "addicted" to my AirPods Pro, their noise cancellation, comfort and sound, and that it was starting to make me nervous. I have rewritten it into a look at wearing noise-cancelling earbuds for long hours, and how to do it sensibly. This is general information, not medical advice.
I used AirPods Pro as my main headphones every day. The noise cancellation, the in-ear comfort and the sound quality, especially with spatial audio, made them hard to take out. By mid-2021 I had started to wonder whether that much use was a good thing.
Is noise cancellation harmful to hearing?
Noise cancellation itself does not damage hearing; loud volume does. In fact, cancelling background noise can help, because it lets you listen at lower volume in noisy places. The risk comes from long hours at high volume, whatever the headphones.
How loud is too loud?
A common rule of thumb is to keep volume at around 60 percent or less and take regular breaks. On an iPhone, the Health app shows your headphone audio levels over time, and the Sound and Haptics settings let you set a limit that reduces loud audio automatically. If sound seems muffled or you notice ringing after listening, that is a signal to cut back and, if it persists, to see a doctor.
What about ear comfort and hygiene?
- Take earbuds out regularly to let your ears rest.
- Clean the tips and the mesh with a dry, lint-free cloth.
- Replace worn tips and use the size that seals without pressure.
- Stop using them and seek advice if your ears become sore or itchy.
Is it safe to use noise cancellation outdoors?
Use transparency mode when walking near traffic, cycling or anywhere you need to hear your surroundings. Full noise cancellation is best kept for indoors, travel and focused work. Being unable to hear a vehicle is a more immediate risk than anything to do with hearing over time.
Why do people feel they cannot stop wearing them?
Because silence and good sound are pleasant, and noisy environments feel worse by comparison once you are used to quiet. That is a comfort habit more than a problem. A few earbud-free hours each day, and quiet time without any audio, keep it in balance.