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Protecting Your Ears in 2026: New Headphones and Safe Listening

Happy New Year from Amplify Hearing USA! As we head into January 2026, many of you likely received a new pair of headphones or earbuds over the holidays. While the sound quality on modern devices is better than ever, it is the perfect time to make a resolution that protects your future: prioritizing safe listening habits.

At Amplify Hearing, we are dedicated to helping you hear the world clearly. However, many people don’t realize how quickly high volume can lead to permanent damage.

Understanding the Volume Trap

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sound intensity is a major factor in hearing health. As decibels go up, safe listening time goes down:

  • Moderate Levels (85\88 dB: Sounds equivalent to heavy traffic or a loud vacuum are safe for 4 to 8 hours.
  • High Volume (91\100 dB): Equivalent to a motorcycle or a maxed-out device; safe exposure ranges from 2 hours down to just 15 minutes.
  • The Risk of “Max Volume”: Cranking your music to full volume in noisy environments (around 106 dB) can cause damage in just 4 minutes. At the very highest output of premium headphones115dB, hearing damage is possible in only 30 seconds.

Start 2026 with Healthy Hearing

If you find yourself frequently pushing your volume to the limit or experiencing “tinnitus” (ringing in the ears), your ears are sending you a warning sign.

Pro-Tips for New Headphone Owners:

  1. The 60/60 Rule: Keep your volume below 60% and take a break every 60 minutes.
  2. Opt for Noise Cancellation: Using noise-cancelling tech helps you keep the volume at a safer level because you aren’t trying to drown out the world around you.
  3. Schedule a Screening: If you love your music loud, it’s important to get regular hearing screenings to catch any changes early.

Protect your hearing today so you can keep enjoying your favorite sounds for years to come.

Want to start the year with a professional hearing check? Find your local Amplify Hearing practice and schedule an appointment today.

🌐 Book your hearing test with us: https://amplifyhearing.com/find-your-nearest-amplify-practice/