A quarter of Brits can't leave the house without their headphones, according to research. A survey of 2,000 adults are more plugged in than ever, with the average person willing to turn back and go home if they realise they've forgotten them - even if they are six minutes into their journey.

Despite this dependency, 35% admitted they've rarely or never thought about the potential damage their headphone usage might be inflicting on their hearing, particularly when blasting music at dangerously high volumes. More alarmingly, 15% owned up to routinely dismissing alerts on their phones warning them the volume is excessively loud.

For Gen Z listeners specifically, it takes an average of three separate warnings before they'll actually turn the sound down. Meanwhile, 27% will actively crank up the volume after being told to do precisely the opposite.

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Gordon Harrison, chief audiologist at Specsavers, which commissioned the research, said: "Extended exposure to loud sounds through headphones can cause permanent damage to the delicate structures inside the ear. This can lead to issues such as hearing loss and tinnitus, which are often irreversible and can worsen over time.

"With New Year's resolutions now in full swing, many of which are fitness-focused, more people are reaching for their headphones during workouts.

"It's important to be mindful of how loud and how long you're listening for, as the damage isn't always immediately noticeable."

In a bid to do better in the New Year, many are vowing to protect their hearing – as 28% plan to turn the volume down, while 17% want to cut back on headphone use altogether.

Meanwhile, 27% admitted they're finally going to book a hearing test they've been postponing.

The study found that headphone users typically wear their devices for an hour and a half daily on average. The situations where people most dreaded being alone with their thoughts included travelling on a train (24%), flying on a plane (23%) and working out at the gym (22%).

Other physical activities where they relied on their headphones included going for a run (19%) and using an exercise bike (12%).

The primary motivations included listening privately without bothering others (38%), relaxing and de-stressing (28%), and drowning out surrounding noise (24%).

A quarter admitted they typically listen to their podcasts and music at a high or very high volume. Consequently, 21% have suffered from ringing in their ears after listening loudly for extended periods.

A further 20% have been left with painful ears, whilst 15% reported headaches after prolonged use. Some also experienced muffled hearing (11%) and dizziness (8%), the OnePoll survey revealed.

Gordon Harrison added: “No matter if you use over the ear headphones or earbuds, exposure to louder sounds over time can be equally as damaging.

"Noise-cancelling headphones are a better option as they allow the volume to be lowered while also improving audibility where there is background noise.”

TOP 10 ACTIVITIES BRITS COULDN'T BEAR TO DO WITHOUT HEADPHONES:

Train journeys

Long-haul flights

Long walks

Going to the gym

Jogging

Running

Waiting at the airport

Treadmill workout

Short-haul flights

Coach rides