Even with the health features, you won’t find me wearing headphones everywhere

Headphones now include features that go far beyond playing music or podcasts. For example, Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 now include health-focused hearing protection tools, hearing tests, and even hearing aids—tools that really improve accessibility and well-being for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.

And yet, even with these features, I’m still not convinced that earplugs belong all day.

1 Situational awareness

At the top of my list of reasons I avoid wearing headphones everywhere is that I like to be fully aware of my surroundings. Headphones, even with Transparency or Adaptive modes, can’t replace the natural awareness that comes with unobstructed hearing (for someone who isn’t hard of hearing, of course).

Imagine going for a run near a busy street or moving in a crowded area; I want to hear a cyclist approaching from behind or the distant sound of an emergency siren without relying on the device to interpret my environment.

Even Apple’s hearing protection features, which can reduce harmful noise levels while letting ambient sounds through, aren’t reliable. These features work well in controlled environments such as concerts or subway rides. But for everyday life, especially where security is involved, I’d rather keep my ears free to catch every subtle hint.

2 Social aspects

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Another reason I’m still hesitant to wear plugs is the social aspect. Headphones can inadvertently send a “do not disturb” signal at social gatherings. This will make you seem withdrawn even if you are perfectly ready to chat. Plus, trying to have a conversation with someone wearing headphones is often awkward—you’re never quite sure if they’re fully tuned in or half-listening to music or notifications.

Now, with earbuds like the AirPods Pro 2 offering hearing aid functionality, we’re likely to see more people wearing them all day, especially in social settings where hearing aids may once have felt stigmatizing. And while this is a fantastic breakthrough in accessibility, it may take a while for people to adjust to seeing it as part of normal communication rather than an indicator that someone is off or otherwise biased.

3 Ear fatigue

Wearing headphones all day is just not comfortable. Even with the softest ear tips, constant use can lead to ear fatigue. The feeling of something pressing against your ear canal for hours on end can quickly become uncomfortable. Headphone manufacturers have made improvements with lighter, ergonomic designs, but after a while even the best headphones start to feel like foreign objects in your ears.

In addition to comfort, there is also the issue of listening fatigue, especially if you are on the phone or listening to music all day. I don’t like the mental and auditory strain I feel when using headphones for hours at a time. It’s always a relief to take them out and let your ears “breathe”.

4 Hygienic problems

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Using headphones all the time can be a bit unhygienic. Our ears naturally produce wax to help protect the ear canal, but when the earplugs are in the ear for several hours, this can lead to a build-up. Wearing them all the time can trap moisture and heat, creating an environment ripe for bacterial growth and potentially ear infections. It’s one of those things that’s easy to overlook until it becomes a problem, but it’s worth considering if you’re thinking about keeping your headphones on all day.

5 Battery concerns

Battery life is another reason why I can’t bring myself to wear headphones all day. Features such as hearing aids or active noise cancellation drain the battery faster. Most headphones offer five to six hours on a single charge, which is decent, but nowhere near enough for all-day wear without frequent recharging.

You’d have to put them back in the case a few times, which isn’t always convenient if you’re on the go or just don’t want to keep track of charging breaks.

Additionally, charging repeatedly throughout the day could degrade the battery over time. For those who rely on these headphones as hearing aids or medical tools, battery life becomes an even bigger concern. Sometimes it’s just easier – and more reliable – to leave them out until really needed.

While the health features of today’s headphones are undeniably impressive, they haven’t convinced me to wear them all the time. From safety concerns to ear fatigue and hygiene, there are practical reasons to keep headphones as an occasional tool rather than a constant companion. Hearing protection and the like offer real benefits to those who need them. But sometimes it’s better to go into everyday life with your ears completely open.