60/60 Rule: Audiologists’ Advice for Safe AirPods & Earbud Use

Wellness writer Anna Gragert’s recent experience with hearing loss, stemming from eustachian tube dysfunction, has prompted renewed warnings from audiologists about the potential dangers of prolonged earbud use. Gragert’s experience, first reported in early 2025, led her to investigate the risks associated with in-ear headphones and consult with ear health experts.

Audiologists are increasingly concerned about noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus – described as ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears – and long-term sound sensitivity resulting from the frequent and often excessive use of earbuds like AirPods. Beyond hearing damage, experts also caution that prolonged earbud use can create a warm, moist environment in the ear canal, increasing the risk of ear infections. Earbuds can contribute to earwax impaction by pushing wax deeper into the ear canal, potentially causing temporary hearing impairment.

To mitigate these risks, audiologists are advocating for the “60/60 rule.” Dr. Ruth Reisman, a Modern York-based audiologist, and Dan Troast, an audiologist at HearUSA, both recommend limiting earbud listening to no more than 60% of maximum volume for a maximum of 60 minutes at a time. Reisman advises that “daily use is fine if the volume stays safe and ears are given time to rest,” suggesting a 15- to 20-minute break for each hour of use.

The potential for hearing damage isn’t limited to volume levels. Earbuds, by their design, sit directly in the ear canal, amplifying several risks, according to Reisman. The risks are particularly acute given the increasing prevalence of earbud use among younger generations, making hearing loss a growing public health concern.

Apple has incorporated safety features into its AirPods ecosystem to address these concerns. The company provides notifications when users listen at high volumes and allows users to check their alert history and set decibel limits within the Settings app, specifically under Sounds and Haptics > Headphone Safety. Exposure data is also logged in the Apple Health app, providing users with a record of their headphone audio levels.

Gragert’s experience underscores the importance of preventative ear health measures. Her initial symptoms – reduced hearing, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and occasional tinnitus – prompted a search for solutions and ultimately led to her investigation of earbud-related risks. The audiologists she consulted emphasized the need for caution and adherence to guidelines like the 60/60 rule to preserve long-term hearing health.