Experts are raising concerns about a potential link between the overuse of noise-cancelling headphones and an increase in auditory processing difficulties, particularly among young people.
For Sophie, a 25-year-old administration assistant from London, everyday background noise has long been a struggle. Accused of zoning out or not listening, she only recently discovered that her challenges stemmed from a neurological condition known as Auditory Processing Disorder (APD).
“Even though I can hear noises around me, I can’t process where they’re coming from. I know someone is speaking, but I just can’t compute it fast enough,” she explained.
Sophie’s hearing test results came back normal, but further evaluation by a private audiologist confirmed APD— a condition where the brain struggles to interpret sounds, even when hearing itself is unaffected.
A Growing Concern
Her case is far from unique. NHS audiology departments across the UK report an increase in young patients being referred for hearing issues, only to find their hearing is normal but their ability to process sound is impaired.
Experts suggest that prolonged use of noise-cancelling headphones, which filter out environmental sounds, may be a contributing factor.
Claire Benton, Vice-President of the British Academy of Audiology, warns that excessive reliance on these devices might lead to a “false reality” where the brain no longer learns to filter background noise.
“You create an artificial environment where you only hear what you want,” Benton said. “If you’re always in that world, your ability to process complex sounds might develop more slowly.”
A Shift in Listening Habits
The rise in APD diagnoses coincides with changing habits in how young people consume audio and visual content. A YouGov survey found that 61% of 18- to 24-year-olds prefer watching TV with subtitles, even when sound is available.
Dr Angela Alexander, an audiologist and founder of APD Support, says this trend raises important questions. “Are we training our brains to rely more on visuals rather than auditory input?” she asked.
Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment
Despite growing awareness, access to APD assessments within the NHS is limited. Only one NHS provider in England, the Royal National ENT and Eastman Hospital, offers a full APD evaluation for adults— and the waiting list is currently nine months long.
The diagnostic process is time-consuming, often requiring multiple tests and cognitive assessments, which makes widespread screening difficult.
Calls for More Research
Leading audiologists and experts are now pushing for more studies into the long-term effects of noise-cancelling headphones on auditory development.
Dr Amjad Mahmood, head of audiology at Great Ormond Street Hospital, has seen a significant increase in demand for APD evaluations in children, particularly as learning difficulties in noisy environments become more apparent.
Dr Wayne Wilson of The University of Queensland agrees that further research is needed, but cautions that multiple factors could be at play. “The devil is in the detail,” he said. “The effects likely depend on the type of noise cancellation, the age of the user, and the duration of use.”
Finding a Balance
While noise-cancelling headphones protect hearing by reducing exposure to loud noises, experts recommend moderation.
Dr Alexander suggests reducing usage time and using the transparency mode, which allows some background noise in. “Hearing a mix of sounds is crucial for the brain’s ability to process speech in real-world environments,” she said.
For Sophie, the diagnosis has been a turning point. She is set to begin treatment in the coming months and hopes it will improve her ability to navigate noisy environments.
“If my boyfriend and I go to a bar, we often leave early because I can’t handle the noise,” she said. “It’s exciting to think that with treatment, I might be able to enjoy busy places again.”
