We are living now in a wireless world, and that means that today’s children are being exposed to wireless headphones—but does this pose any health risks or cause any other concerns? Even for those children of parents who strictly limit screen time, school-aged children are often given assignments and testing in the classroom where the use of the best wireless headphones are necessary in order to minimize noise distraction in the classroom environment. But how safe are these devices for kids?
Concerns about wireless devices and cancer were raised in 2015 when 247 scientists worldwide expressed growing concern over exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) and possible health risks. The health risks cited by these scientists included cancer, neurological disorders, reproductive issues, and memory and learning deficits. This appeal called on the World Health Organization to consider imposing strict guidelines on EMF exposure in order to minimize risks.
According to researchers at Berkeley’s Center for Family and Community Health, most of the research sparking concern was based on the use of cell phones and not wireless headphones. The amount of radiation emitted by the best wireless headphones is significantly less than that of cell phones—nearly 1000 times less, according to studies. While cellphones have to receive signals from distant towers, wireless or Bluetooth headphones only have to connect to a nearby device. Also, because of the placement of wireless headphones and earbuds the head’s exposure is about half of what occurs while talking on a cell phone. In other words, listening to a device through wireless headphones is safer than holding the device close to your body. The SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) is the rate at which emissions from wireless devices are absorbed by the body. While the SAR of the best wireless headphones are well within the current guidelines, scientists warn that these standards don’t take into account accumulative amounts absorbed by prolonged and excessive exposures. Parents should be warned to be aware of the amount of time children spend using these devices and avoid frequent prolonged exposures.
Wireless Headphones and Hearing Health in Children
Another concern often expressed by parents is the possibility of negative effects on a child's hearing with exposure to wireless headphones. Both the World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control have warned that prolonged and frequent exposure to even moderately loud sounds can negatively impact hearing. According to the CDC, an estimated 12.5 percent of children between 6 and 19 years old have suffered permanent damage resulting in hearing loss from excessive exposure to loud noise. Children who listen to music or programs at the maximum volume levels in headphones are at particular risk of hearing damage. Once hearing level is impaired, it can never be medically or surgically corrected. Parents should be aware of these risks and take steps to limit the volume levels their children use when listening to devices with wireless headphones.
Fortunately, some of the best wireless headphones for children come with maximum volume limits to protect their hearing. However, experts warn that parents should still be wary, even when using kid-safe wireless headphones. Some of these headphones were found to exceed their advertised volume levels when tested. Some of the best wireless headphones advertised as kid-friendly use volume-limiting safeguards that experts warn older children are often able to remove or bypass. Because hearing loss can have a dramatic negative impact on a child’s academics, parents should carefully monitor their use of wireless headphones and encourage them to listen at lower volume levels in order to protect their hearing.
The World Health Organization recommends that children listen to their favorite music and programs at volume levels of 85 decibels or less, and for no longer than an hour at a time. For reference, a typical conversation occurs at 60 dB. While the most current research suggests that children can safely use the best wireless headphones, sensible safety measures should be put in place to limit both the amount of time that they are exposed to these devices and the volume level they use when listening to music or programs.