In recent years, Bluetooth headsets have become an essential accessory for anyone who is into music. With integrated wireless or Bluetooth technology, they offer better mobility than their wired counterparts do. For most people knowing the ins and outs of wireless technology is unnecessary, however if you are an audio nerd – 10 of the must know facts about Bluetooth speakers might be something both interesting and useful.
The sound produced is of good quality, with remarkable depth, fluidity and precision. However, high-tech equipment of this kind emits waves, which can be harmful to health. Harmful perhaps, but to what degree? The question has fueled much debate. Currently, people are wondering if Bluetooth headsets pose a real health hazard. This is exactly what we will see in this article.
The Challenge of Bluetooth Wireless Technology
Wireless technology has revolutionized the exchange of data on electrical devices. Launched in 1999, Bluetooth connectivity is now very popular in the mobile phone market. It is difficult to see any device that does not have this function. The innovation even led to the birth of Bluetooth 5 in 2017, a new version that not only doubles the range of Bluetooth, but also limits disruption with other wireless technologies like Wi-Fi.
However, Bluetooth uses radio waves to connect devices together: Telephone, speaker, headset, PC, etc. Studies have shown that radio waves on a Smartphone are 20 times more powerful than WiFi waves. Stuck to the ear, the cell phone, with its antenna very close to the brain, seriously affects health. Emitting radiation and radiation, it can lead to brain tumor. Doctors then advise minimizing direct exposure to smartphone waves in order to reduce the risk of cancer.
As a reminder, radio waves can be harmful to some devices and completely harmless to others. By being in direct contact with the head, like a cell phone, Bluetooth headsets have often created doubt in the minds of users. Are they as dangerous as smartphones?
What About the Radio Waves Emitted by Bluetooth Speakers?
Although both produce radiation, Bluetooth headsets, unlike smartphones, only require close range operation. They just need to hit the signal from the mobile device in your pocket, whereas a cell phone is designed to send the signal to an antenna that is hundreds of miles away. In this sense, Bluetooth headsets spread much less powerful radio waves than a cell phone.
Technically, wearing a headset with Bluetooth connectivity on your head is therefore not harmful to health. It also uses the 2.4 GHz frequency, the same as a Wi-Fi, but, in many ways, less efficient than the latter.
The authorities now recommend the use of a Bluetooth headset or a hands-free kit,
Instead of handling the smartphone alone. It minimizes exposure to radio frequencies emitted by the latter. By keeping the phone away from the head, the Bluetooth headset limits the impact of radiation on the brain. In addition, it offers a certain comfort by freeing both hands of the user. Note, however, that the use of this audio material in a car is not recommended. This can cause a traffic accident. For music listening in the car, prefer Bluetooth speakers.
What Affects Our Ears?
On smartphones, the audio format used is often MP3. The latter, however, is not very good, as generally the volume of the music remains moderate even if the phone is at full blast. This then pushes music and concert fans to increase the sound on their Bluetooth headphones. Which becomes a habit with each listening. This is how people often get the disease of tinnitus.
Too loud music has an impact on the health of the ears. Too loud sounds cause temporary or permanent hearing loss as well as tinnitus. Usually, this is characterized by a high-pitched buzzing or hissing sound in the inner ear. Currently, 1 in 4 people in France suffers from this hearing disorder. Tinnitus is caused by damage to the cochlea, the organ that integrates the sound of music before the auditory nerve. When it is damaged, it continuously sends signals to the brain even when there is no sound.
If, however, the user respects the threshold not to be exceeded, it is possible for him to occasionally expose his ears to deep sound. Researchers have found that listening to music above 85 dB can damage the entire hearing system. If you want to take advantage of the power of these devices, however, do not go beyond an hour of listening per day.
Precaution have to Take
Music is a source of pleasure and is renowned for its positive effects on a person’s mind. It allows you to de-stress and escape a bit from the real world. In addition, a good number of people are looking for an immersive listening experience and are turning to headsets. As an electrical device is not entirely healthy for your health, some precautions should therefore be taken.
Truth be told, if you know how to do it, normally using your Bluetooth headset would not have any impact on your health. We have seen previously that too loud music attacks your ears. Therefore, either you reduce the volume of the sound or you minimize your listening time. The ideal would be not to exceed 20 hours per week at 90 dB (A).
With their exceptional sound reproduction, Bluetooth headsets always sign the promise of excellent musical immersion. You must therefore know how to use it at the right time. In the car or on a bicycle, for example, you could cause accidents. Also, avoid using it in noisy places. Noise around you may cause you to turn up the volume on your headphones. Choose a place that inspires calm and serenity: Your bedroom, office or parks.