Bluetooth works by emitting radiation ― but does that mean it can cause cancer? In that case, you might wonder if “Are Bluetooth headphones safe for kids?”
After all, these children are more susceptible to radiation, which can be especially damaging if the source is close to their developing brain.
This blog will discuss Bluetooth headphones, the level of danger they pose, tips to safeguard their hearing, and the alternatives you should consider for kids.
This information will help your kids maintain their hearing for as long as possible while still enjoying entertainment.
Understanding Bluetooth Headphones and Their Use for Kids
To know if headphones that use Bluetooth technology are safe, you must first understand how they work exactly.
As much as they do use radiation, this is not the same radiation as an X-ray or even from the sun.
What Are Bluetooth Headphones?
Headphones that use Bluetooth are usually wireless. Instead of using a cable to transmit the sound, Bluetooth headphones rely on waves emitted by a device.
Since they lack cables, they can be more convenient as they allow kids to move around without tangling cables or accidentally ripping them.
Generally, children use them in class to listen to documentaries and other learning materials.
At home, they may use them while gaming to get a more immersive experience. Likewise, they can use them to listen to music.
Common Safety Concerns About Bluetooth Headphones
Whether Bluetooth headphones are safe for kids is not a simple question. Of course, listening with such headphones poses risks. For instance, kids face the following risks:
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Radiation exposure:
The main concern you might have is radiation from Bluetooth. After all, children have thinner skulls through which the radiation can more quickly penetrate.
However, there is no scientific consensus that Bluetooth technology in headphones is likely to cause cancer. This is because the radiation is non-iodised, and devices paired with your headphones emit very little radiation.
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Hearing damage:
The most dangerous risk is actually hearing damage. If the volume is too high, it can cause irreparable damage to the ear drums. In fact, reports show that 12.5% of children have permanently damaged hearing due to loud noise.
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Bacteria build-up:
Another reason why you might wonder if Bluetooth headphones are safe for kids is because of their association with infections. Bacteria build-up most commonly happens with headphones that enter the ear or cover it.
This is because these headphones stop air from flowing freely, create a warm and moist environment, and can cause wax build-up. All of this may lead to bacteria build-up.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Headphones for Kids
Whenever you select headphones for your kids, you need to pay attention to ensure they are both comfortable and safe.
Headphones can feel heavy after a long time of wearing them, so you should pick a pair that is lightweight and has an ergonomic shape.
Likewise, you should consider health factors such as whether the headphones enter the ear and if they have built-in noise-level inhibitors.
How Open-Ear Bluetooth Headphones Address Safety Concerns
Now that we have assessed whether Bluetooth headphones are safe for kids, is there an alternative? Yes! Open-ear headphones can serve as a great alternative as they eliminate one of the most major risks.
To understand how the open-ear design is superior, let us examine its characteristics through a prime example from the world's best seller of open-ear headphones: The OpenFit model.
The Open-Design Advantage
As you will notice with this model, the open-ear design does not cover or enter the ear. Instead, it uses bone conduction technology to transmit sound. Therefore, air can naturally enter the ear, preventing excess heat and moisture.
Also, since they do not enter the ear, they do not push ear wax in, nor do they introduce bacteria into your inner ear.
Preventing Hearing Damage
This design targets the main real concern of Bluetooth headphones: excessive volume. With an open-ear design, sound goes through your head and stays at a natural level while providing a wide range of notes.
Therefore, it cannot reach the high levels that are dangerous for children.
Reduced Pressure and Comfort for Long-Term Use
Lastly, the open-ear design of the OpenFit offers your children the ultimate comfort. They do not apply pressure on the ear or head as they have an ergonomic design and weigh only 8.3 g.
Plus. They are made of silicone, making them smooth and comfortable to wear for long-term use.
Tips for Safely Using Open-Ear Bluetooth Headphones
As much as open-design headphones are safer for your kids than Bluetooth headphones, it is essential that you encourage them to use them more responsibly.
Let us explore a few tips that will help your children's ears stay healthy.
Promote Healthy Listening Habits
To start with, you should monitor the volume levels as part of healthy listening habits. In addition, you should ensure they take breaks. These small breaks will ensure they do not overuse headphones and will give their ears some rest, avoiding strain.
Encourage Hygiene with Headphones
Another great habit to instill in your children is to clean their headphones. Every few days, they should wipe them to remove dirt and bacteria using a soft, dry or damp cloth.
Once clean, they should fully dry them with a cloth. They should also clean them if they are lending their headphones to a friend.
Educate Kids on Safe Usage
Lastly, teaching your kids how to use headphones safely is essential. They need to understand that long use and loud noise can affect their well-being.
Moreover, it is only through caring for their headphones that they can avoid infections.
Last Thoughts
All in all, we have thoroughly explored the question, “Are Bluetooth headphones safe for kids?” Throughout this post, we have shown that these headphones have a minimal risk of radiation. The true dangers are loud noise and bacteria build-up.
To avoid the dangers of Bluetooth headphones, your kids should use open-ear headphones from high-quality brands such as Shokz. Our open-design headphones minimise the risk of infections, are comfortable, and do not enter the ear.
Consider the OpenFit design. This model is incredibly lightweight, making it perfect for kids to use for class, music, or gaming!
