Experts Warn Noise-Cancelling Headphones Linked to Rise in Auditory Processing Disorder

Audiologists in the UK are raising concerns that the widespread use of noise-cancelling headphones may contribute to a rise in auditory processing disorder (APD) among young people. APD, a condition where the brain struggles to process sounds despite normal hearing, is increasingly diagnosed in individuals without the typical risk factors such as childhood ear infections or brain injuries. Experts, including Claire Benton from the British Academy of Audiology, suggest that such headphones create a 'false environment' that hinders the brain's ability to filter and focus on sounds in everyday situations. As a result, individuals may find it difficult to engage in conversations or understand speech in noisy environments. The increase in APD cases has prompted calls for awareness of how listening habits, particularly among teens, can affect auditory development. Overall, the trend highlights a potential link between modern listening technology and emerging neurological issues.