What is the 60-60 Rule for AirPods?

The World Health Organization warns that over one billion young people are at risk of permanent hearing loss due to recreational exposure to loud sounds. This alarming statistic highlights the long-term consequences of daily habits, particularly when it comes to listening to music or podcasts on AirPods and other earbuds.

The 60-60 rule for AirPods is a guideline developed by audiologists and backed by reputable organizations like WHO and Mayo Clinic. It recommends keeping device volume at no more than 60 percent of its maximum output and not listening continuously for more than 60 minutes without taking a break. This simple yet crucial advice aims to mitigate the risks associated with noise exposure.

Many people are guilty of ignoring these guidelines, often oblivious to the damage being done to their ears. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has established that sustained exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or above poses a significant risk of hearing loss over time. AirPods can reach levels as high as 105-110 dB at maximum volume, a level at which hearing damage can occur in just a few minutes.

Prolonged exposure to loud sounds causes the tiny hair cells in the inner ear to fatigue and eventually die permanently if sustained long enough. These cochlear hair cells do not regenerate – once they’re gone, they’re gone forever.

To prevent hearing loss, setting a volume limit on your device is essential. Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Headphone Safety and cap the maximum volume at 60 percent. Regular breaks from listening are also crucial; the WHO recommends a 15-20 minute break after each hour of listening.

Audiologists typically advise against ignoring the warnings Apple devices give when sustained listening exceeds safe levels. The debate surrounding headphones is nuanced, but over-ear options are generally safer than earbuds, allowing lower volume settings in noisy environments and reducing background noise.

The Hearing Health Foundation recommends over-ear options where possible, and some models come with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) – a feature that’s essential for reducing hearing strain. Apple’s latest earbuds, such as the AirPods Pro 2 and 3, also come with over-the-counter hearing aid software authorized by the FDA.

If you already suffer from hearing loss, there are solutions available to help you follow conversations in noisy environments more easily. The 60-60 rule is not just a guideline – it’s a warning sign that our daily habits are putting us at risk of permanent damage. It’s time to rethink our approach to noise exposure and take action before it’s too late.