Reason why you have noticed more people wearing wired headphones (and it's not what you think)

There's a reason why you might have noticed more people wearing wired headphones again.

According to recent stats, Brits spend over one billion pounds on headphones every year, with a surge in demand for wireless and noise-cancelling options.

Whilst many of us rely on wireless earbuds for listening to music and podcasts whilst on the move, there are growing concerns over potential health risks.

In the last couple of months, you might have noticed that people have traded in their earbuds for wires on TikTok, with celebrities including Dua Lipa and Paul Mescal leading the charge.

Many are opting against wireless models due to health concerns, whilst some have gone back to the nostalgic wires for practicality and style.

But should we really be concerned? From alleged health risks to the best wired headphones on offer now, find out everything you need to know below.

Are wireless headphones safe?

Wireless earbuds connect to your phone or laptop via Bluetooth. To achieve this, your headphones use electromagnetic fields (EMF) to send compressed audio data over radio waves.

Once the devices have connected, the earbuds decode the digital audio signal from the phone or laptop and convert it into sound.

And it's the EMF radiation that has people concerned. On TikTok, a growing number of people are trading in their old AirPods for wired headphones due to rising health worries, from migraines and hearing loss to even cancer.

However, multiple sources claim that the said electromagnetic fields (EMF) used in Bluetooth headphones are at too low of a frequency to cause harm to humans.

According to Cancer Research, mobile phones, networks (4G and 5G), and radiofrequency radiation (used for wireless headphones) do not cause cancer.

As per the website: "Radiofrequency radiation is too weak to be able to cause cancer by damaging DNA."

Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor confirms this, saying: "Wireless headphones use low-level radiofrequency signals, similar to those produced by mobile phones or wifi routers, but the intensity is extremely small.

"Current evidence shows no convincing link between this type of non-ionising radiation and harm to human health, particularly at the low levels produced by consumer audio devices."

As for migraines and hearing loss, there is also no definitive research to support this.

How to use wireless earbuds safely

Dr Sigurd Brandt, Medical Director at Listen to This, warns that over time, overuse can cause damage to hearing.

"The danger is that, without caution, damage occurs gradually and often without pain or obvious symptoms," he explans. "This means many people don’t realise there’s a problem until it’s too late.

“Our ears are remarkably sensitive and are responsible for more than just hearing, which is why they need ongoing care."

If you're committed to your wireless earbuds, how can you make sure to use them safely? Dr Brandt recommends taking the following precautions:

• Set your phone to receive alerts when sound levels become unsafe
• Don't forget duration, as exposure to more than 85 decibels (roughly the level of busy traffic) for more than eight hours can cause harm
• Wear ear protection in noisy workplaces or concerts where necessary
• Attend routine hearing checks

Where to buy Apple wired earbuds in the sale now

At the time of writing, the Apple wired earbuds have dropped from £19 to £16 for a limited time only on Amazon.

They're selling fast and after just one scroll of the reviews, it's not hard to see why.

"Gosh, I love them so much," one five-star review reads. "I lose my AirPods all the time, I needed wired earphones and what is better than Apple wired earphones?"

Another customer shared, "Absolutely excellent sound quality. These wired earbuds are better than any Bluetooth headphones."

A third wrote: "Awesome and practical. Much better than AirPods."

Top features of Apple wired earbuds:

• No need to charge them
• Comfortable design inspired by the shape of the ear
• Speakers designed for maximum sound output and minimum sound loss
• Built-in remote to adjust volume, control playback, and answer calls
• Compatible with a range of iPhones, iPads, and laptops
• Plastic-free packaging

Shop our top pick of wired headphones on offer now:

Featured Image Credit: Getty/Olga Pankova/Blackzheep

Topics: Health, Technology