Experts have raised concerns that the use of noise-cancelling headphones could be linked to a rise in neurological issues among Generation Z.

The growing trend of these headphones, designed to block out surrounding sounds, may contribute to auditory problems stemming from the brain, according to NHS audiology specialists.

One such issue is known as auditory processing disorder (APD), where individuals find it challenging to interpret sounds or words and distinguish them from background noise.

Claire Benton, Vice President of the British Academy of Audiology, explained that by dampening noises like trains or car horns, the brain may neglect to learn how to filter those sounds.

She stated in an interview with the BBC: ‘These headphones create a false auditory environment where users only hear what they choose. This limits their need to actively engage with their surroundings.’

Benton noted that the development of advanced listening skills typically continues into a person’s late teens. Consequently, those relying heavily on noise-canceling headphones during this critical learning phase might hinder their ability to process audio effectively.

Experts warn that noise-cancelling headphones may lead to neurological disorders among Gen Z (stock photo)

Auditory processing disorder (APD) makes it difficult for the brain to process sounds and words against background noise (stock photo)

Increasingly, young individuals are being referred to specialists for hearing evaluations, only to find their hearing abilities are normal; the challenges they face are neurological.

With the brain struggling to make sense of auditory inputs, these individuals often find social interactions and understanding directions in work or education environments to be arduous.

Renee Almeida, an adult audiology clinical lead at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, emphasized the necessity for the brain to encounter a diverse range of sounds to effectively differentiate between ‘crucial’ and ‘non-essential’ audio inputs.

While APD has previously been associated with childhood trauma, ear infections, or genetic factors, the recent uptick in this condition has led professionals to examine the role of noise-cancelling headphones prevalent among teens and college students.