To avoid annoying noises around you, at the university, office, bus or video games, the use of noise wireless headphones is almost one -way. Especially Active Noise-Cancellation headphones exclude completely external noises so that you can concentrate on the music you hear, the video game you play or the work you do.

Continuous use of headphones with active sound insulation, however, may cause hearing problems. Particularly adolescents and young people can be faced with acoustic treatment disorders (DEA) if they use such wireless headphones very often and for long periods of time.

The distinction between noise and significant sound

In the case of an acoustic treatment and perception disorder (AVWS), the hearing works normally, with low -key sounds perceived. However, what sounds and, above all, what is said is not properly understood. The confusion of voices is particularly evident when many people speak at the same time or heard various noises in the space. Christian Smitz-Sali, an expert in vocal and pediatric acology, explains that a disorder in the synapses associations results in the brain unable to properly process acoustic information.

For the brain it is a great challenge to distinguish between various sounds and annoying noise in the background. The development of such capacity between substantial and meaningless stimuli begins at about 5 years of age. In boys, it often starts a little later. It concludes until the end of adolescence, according to the German physician: “If acoustic stimuli is absent during these ages, with a distinction between noise and useful sound, the brain is not able to learn it later.”

Do not always choose the ANC mode

One of the effects of the pandemic is that in many young people the noise causes particular stress. “If the children were only in a quiet environment during the pandemic, then there was nothing new to learn the brain. When the children returned to the noisy school classes, they were not used to noise because their brain has not learned to exclude annoying noises, “the German doctor said.

Although it has not yet been scientifically proven to have the relationship between the continuous use of headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) and acoustic treatment and perception disorder (AVWS), Akuologist Smits-Sali estimates that the causal relationship is quite possible: “I believe it is easy to understand. Active noise cancellation essentially deprives the brain every opportunity to learn to hear and evaluate a noise. If the brain does not need to develop it, it will not do so. “

The cancellation of noise is not definitely harmful. But it is advisable not to always be activated. Akuologist Smits -Sali suggests the use of wireless headphones with ANC “in conditions where the noises are extremely annoying, e.g. In the subway. ” Otherwise, especially young people should, preferably, choose the noise cancellation function that allows part of the noise. The German doctor advises: “In situations where you will put the active noise cancellation, choose not to do so.”

Curated by: Stefanos Georgakopoulos