Ear Care

Good listening habits help protect the moments you want to keep hearing. This page offers general safe-listening guidance for phones, speakers, earbuds and headphones.

Everyday safe listening

• Set the volume at a comfortable level. The World Health Organization recommends no more than about 60% of the device maximum.
• Use well-fitted or noise-cancelling headphones so you do not need to overpower background noise.
• Take regular quiet breaks, especially during long calls, music sessions or gaming.
• Use built-in sound-level monitoring and volume-limit features when available.
• Move away from loudspeakers and use hearing protection in very noisy places.

Pay attention to warning signs

Persistent ringing, muffled hearing, difficulty following conversations, pain or a sudden change in hearing should not be ignored. Stop listening and contact a qualified hearing professional.

A useful starting point

Volume and listening time work together: louder sound means less safe listening time. Read the WHO safe-listening guidance for more detail.

This information is educational and is not medical advice or a diagnosis.