Many of us grab a single earbud to catch a podcast or take a call, thinking it’s harmless — but experts warn it could be damaging your ears.
Dr. Vladimir Zaytsev, an ENT specialist and candidate of medical sciences, told the Shot Telegram channel that listening with only one earbud, especially in quiet environments, puts unusual strain on your auditory system.
Our ears are naturally tuned for stereo sound, so forcing one ear to do all the work is anything but normal.
Single-Ear Listening Can Lead to Tinnitus and Hearing Loss
Prolonged use of one earbud may initially trigger persistent ringing, known as tinnitus, and over time could result in unilateral sensorineural hearing loss — meaning hearing loss in just one ear.
Those most at risk include people who habitually use one earbud or those in professions requiring constant headset use, like call center staff.
Dr. Zaytsev explained that the brain and ears adapt to the impaired perception rather than the healthy ear, which can gradually worsen overall hearing.
He recommends keeping volume below the surrounding ambient noise to reduce strain.
Early signs of hearing problems typically show up after around a year of regular single-ear listening, though individuals with highly sensitive hearing may notice changes sooner.
Hidden Effects of Headphones on the Scalp
It’s not just your ears that could be affected. Large over-ear headphones can place pressure on hair follicles, potentially impacting scalp health.
Dr. Zaytsev advises users to periodically photograph their scalp to track any changes and act quickly if issues arise.
“When one ear begins to hear poorly, the other ear also starts to decline.
The ear adapts to the damaged ear, not the healthy one,” he noted, highlighting the subtle but serious risks of uneven audio use.
How to Protect Your Hearing
Experts recommend using stereo sound and keeping volumes at safe levels.
Limiting the prolonged use of a single earbud and giving your ears regular breaks can help preserve long-term auditory health.
Taking these small precautions today can prevent irreversible hearing issues tomorrow.