New Delhi: City life is loud — far louder than most of us realise. Traffic, construction, cafés, gyms, elevators, alerts, video calls, and constant background noise form a soundscape that never truly switches off. To cope, many people turn to earphones or earphones, believing they are protecting themselves from the chaos outside. In many cases, it ends up backfiring. Experts report witnessing young adults with ear fatigue, early hearing strain, ringing in the ears, and sound sensitivity — complaints that were once associated with much older age groups.

In an interaction with News9Live, Dr Deepthi Koganti, Consultant – ENT surgeon, Arete Hospitals, explained how urban sound pollution and prolonged use of earphones can age your ears faster.

What Is “Hidden Ear Fatigue”?

Ear fatigue isn’t always obvious. Unlike sudden hearing loss, it builds quietly. The inner ear and auditory nerves are constantly processing sound, even when we think we’re “tuning it out.” Continuous exposure — especially through earphones — forces these delicate structures to stay switched on without rest.

With time, people may notice that everyday sounds feel harder to tolerate, noisy places become exhausting, headaches crop up more often, the ears feel blocked, or there is occasional ringing. Hearing tests may still appear normal, which is why many people dismiss early warning signs.

Why Earphones Make It Worse

Most people assume that smaller, wireless devices are safer. The problem is not the device, but how it’s used.

1. Prolonged listening hours: Earbuds sit directly in the ear canal, delivering sound straight to sensitive structures. Listening for several hours a day — even at “comfortable” volumes — prevents the ears from recovering.


2. Volume creep: In loud places, most people turn the volume up without realising it, simply to block out what’s around them. Over time, that level can go beyond what the ears can safely handle.


3. Lack of breaks: Unlike speakers, earphones provide continuous sound without pauses. The ears don’t get the silence they need to reset.


4. Noise cancellation misconception: While active noise cancellation can reduce external noise, many users compensate by listening longer, assuming it’s safer. Duration still matters.

The Urban Noise Factor

City noise alone strains the auditory system. Add earphones, and the ears rarely experience true quiet. The auditory nerve stays overstimulated, which accelerates fatigue and ageing of hearing pathways.

This explains why younger individuals now report symptoms such as:

1. Ringing or buzzing sounds


2. Difficulty understanding speech in crowded places


3. Increased irritation to everyday sounds


4. Ear discomfort without infection

Early Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Your ears often signal trouble before damage becomes permanent. Pay attention if you notice:

1. Ringing after removing earphones


2. Needing higher volumes than before


3. Ear pressure or dull aching


4. Trouble following conversations in noise


5. Headaches linked to sound exposure

These are not “normal” consequences of modern life — they are warnings.

How to Protect Your Ears Without Giving Up Technology

You don’t need to abandon earphones, but you do need better habits.

1. Follow the 60–60 rule: Keep volume under 60% and limit use to 60 minutes at a stretch


2. Choose over-ear headphones when possible; they distribute sound more evenly


3. Take listening breaks — silence matters


4. Avoid using earphones in already noisy environments


5. Get regular hearing checks if earphone use is part of your daily routine

The Bigger Picture

Hearing loss doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of small, repeated stress over the years. Urban living has changed how our ears function, and technology has quietly accelerated that process. Protecting your hearing today isn’t about fear — it’s about awareness. The ears are not designed for constant stimulation. Giving them rest may be one of the most overlooked health habits in modern city life.