Open earbuds may help preserve your hearing and are affordable

The article reports that open earbuds sit on the ear cartilage instead of sealing the ear canal, and it cites ENThealth.org saying typical in-ear earbuds can be up to 9 decibels louder than over-ear headphones and may carry more bacteria into the ear.

Open earbuds are described as a different style that rests on the ear cartilage rather than sealing the ear canal, and the article discusses potential benefits for ear comfort and health. The author recounts noticing discomfort from in-ear earbuds and experimenting with ways to keep sound farther from the eardrum before trying open earbuds. Health sources cited in the piece compare open or over-ear designs with typical in-ear earbuds on sound exposure and hygiene. The article highlights reported differences in sound level and bacterial presence as reasons the style is gaining attention. Key points: - Open earbuds attach to the ear cartilage and do not fully block the ear canal, according to the article. - ENThealth.org is cited as saying typical in-ear earbuds can be up to 9 decibels louder than over-ear headphones. - The article reports that typical earbuds may lead to about 11 times more bacteria in the ear canal, as noted by the cited source. - Dr. Susannah Hills of Columbia University Medical Center is quoted on possible increases in wax buildup and ear discomfort linked to in-ear earbuds. Summary: Open or over-ear designs are presented as an alternative that may reduce how much sound is directed into the ear canal and may limit factors linked to bacterial buildup and wax. Undetermined at this time.