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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Ian Sample Science editor

Are noise-cancelling headphones impairing our hearing skills? Some audiologists are beginning to worry

Student wearing noise-cancelling headphones works at desk
Experts stress that the benefits of these devices should not be overlooked. Photograph: kali9/Getty Images

They are prized for making the commute more bearable and shielding against the din of daily life. But noise-cancelling headphones have come under scrutiny after audiologists raised concerns that overuse might impair people’s hearing skills.

While the technology has clear benefits, not least in helping people listen to music at lower volume, some specialists suspect that constantly filtering out background noise may have unintended consequences.

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