Can I Use Headphones with Unilateral Tinnitus?

[Ivano_m]

Unfortunately, there's an ongoing debate on Tinnitus Talk about whether headphones, even at low volumes, can worsen tinnitus.

I don't want to revisit that topic, as it would likely lead to a pointless and unproductive argument between those who believe they're right and those who disagree.

I'd like to know whether I can still use headphones with unilateral tinnitus by blocking the output to the affected ear and only allowing audio through the healthy ear, keeping the volume low, of course.

 

[Michael Leigh]

I'd like to know whether I can still use headphones with unilateral tinnitus by blocking the output to the affected ear and only allowing audio through the healthy ear, keeping the volume low, of course.

Even though your tinnitus is unilateral, if it was noise-induced, I don't advise you to listen to audio through your good ear, with any headphones, even at low volume.

Some people with noise-induced tinnitus are not affected by headphone use, but many are. It is your choice.

All the best,
Michael

 

[orenge01]

Unfortunately, there's an ongoing debate on Tinnitus Talk about whether headphones, even at low volumes, can worsen tinnitus.

I don't want to revisit that topic, as it would likely lead to a pointless and unproductive argument between those who believe they're right and those who disagree.

I'd like to know whether I can still use headphones with unilateral tinnitus by blocking the output to the affected ear and only allowing audio through the healthy ear, keeping the volume low, of course.

I'd say it's safe, but make sure to take frequent breaks—a lot of breaks. And keep the volume very low. I personally use 4% volume on Windows. The longer you listen, the higher the risk, so avoid any 10+ hour binges like I, unfortunately, have done.

 

[Noahtm]

I agree about taking breaks. Careful listening is possible for some people, but over the long term, even if it seems like a non-issue, it's essential to keep your volume dialed to the lowest comfortable level and avoid exceeding it. Many people aren't as mindful and end up listening louder than necessary.

I'd also add that it can take time for your brain to adjust to the sound profile of a specific pair of headphones, and they may initially sound quieter. To manage this, I set a volume level and then gradually lower it over time as my ears adjust. I also take more breaks than I normally would to give my ears a rest.

This may seem unnecessary, but when I'm at the computer, I plug my headphones into an external unit for precise volume control rather than relying on system settings. It's too easy to accidentally jump from 10% to 40% volume on the system itself. I also use Peace APO to adjust channel balance and other settings, and compressor programs for a consistent audio level while gaming.

On mobile, I use accessibility options like mono audio to mix down both channels into one, along with channel balance adjustments. This keeps the audio level consistent across both ears. I'm not sure if completely muting one side is ideal, as I've read that listening with a single earbud can lead to higher volume levels. Lowering the volume on one side might be a better option, but of course, everyone should do their own research.

As for the debate on whether headphones are inherently worse for hearing than listening to speakers, I can't say for sure. However, I can say that noise-canceling headphones have saved me many times from loud sounds like sirens, construction, and noisy vehicles. I use headphones at my desk and practice safety with regular breaks, but everyone's experience may vary.

 

[Luman]

If you listen to only one side, stereo recordings will be incomplete and missing music. You could try combining the left and right channel outputs from your device or component into one mono signal, which is better than just a left or right channel alone but not as it was intended to be listened to.

 

[BeepBeep]

I listen to music on in-ear monitors with an EQ app, where I reduce most of the treble. It works great for me.