Strictly speaking, any headphones are harmful. Wired, Bluetooth. IR, RF, monitor, over-the-ear, “earplugs”, “ear-drops”… Any such devices put unwanted sound pressure on the eardrum and create an attractive environment for bacteria to develop in the outer ear.
Therefore, it is recommended to use the headphones not constantly and not at full volume. Otherwise, you could well encounter hearing impairment or otitis media (or similar bacterial inflammation).
However, the question “Are wireless headphones harmful?” implies a little different – are they more harmful than all the other? Let’s try to figure this out.
How can wireless headphones be harmful?
With sound pressure on the eardrum and the creation of a sealed, moist and warm environment in the outer ear, attractive to the development of bacteria and bacterial infections have been dealt with. Now it’s the turn of the radio signal.
Wireless headphones – it is worth mentioning that now we will talk about models with Bluetooth and radio frequency 2.4 GHz – for connection with the smartphone or the computer uses a radio signal. However, its special frequency and digital transmission on it specifies the interface. So, Bluetooth headphones use the most common frequency in civilian near field communication – 2.4 GHz.
At frequency 2.4 GHz broadcasts just about everything.It’s emitted by Wi-Fi routers and computer mice without cables, radiophones and microwave ovens. Bluetooth also uses a frequency of 2.4 GHz. As a result, the pile of equipment around the user radiates to 2.4 GHz, creating energy flows.
So, if the author of this article were out in the clear with a full set of his EDC, he would still have five radiating at 2.4 GHz devices-smartphone, laptop, Bluetooth mouse, watch and wireless headphones.
The active proliferation of cordless devices leads to what’s known as “electromagnetic pollution”. And in this case there are regulations!Specifically – SanPiN 2.2.4/2.1.8.055-96, which describes the maximum permissible harmless energy flow at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. It is200 μW/cm
The average energy flux density of wireless Bluetooth headphones is 1.6 mkW/cm
Stop! Microwaves and wireless headphones use the same frequency!
One of the important arguments proponents of the idea of electromagnetic pollution harm from BT and Wi-Fi make is the claim that microwaves and Bluetooth use the same frequency, 2.4 GHz. And it’s true. And microwave ovens fry any living thing that happens to be in them.
There is only one “but” – power. Let’s make an analogy. Hospitals often use physiotherapy to treat various muscle diseases – they connect electrodes to the patient and begin to shock him. Not only does it happen voluntarily, it also helps! So the current is useful? And if you stick your fingers in the socket, you can be cured of anything?
As if not. A high-powered current is quite capable of frying a person.
It’s the same with the “magic 2″.4 gigahertz.”. The microwave has a very powerful transmitter, 600-800 watts. You won’t find those 600 Watts in a phone or laptop, you’d reach at least 100 mkW there… So radiation from a phone, laptop, wireless headphones, Wi-Fi routers or there mice is not dangerous.
Conclusion
Wireless headphones are no more harmful than any other. And, just like with other types, it’s important to maintain hearing hygiene. Do not use the audio equipment at very high volume, do not wear it on your head for more than an hour without a break.
It’s also worth considering that the monitor or “over-the-ear” models are slightly less harmful than the in-channel ones. The latter securely plug the ear canal and direct the sound stream directly to the long-suffering eardrum. The monitor models, on the other hand, provide a lesser seal to the outer ear and create less sound pressure on the inner ears at the same volume.
And, of course, headphones should be removed when crossing roads – rail or road – and when in public places or areas of high danger.
