Fear of Bluetooth is taking over, and influencers are leading the charge.
Wired headphones are becoming trendy again as influencers and celebrities ditch wireless earbuds over health worries. While experts are divided on this issue, the growing doubt about wireless technology is causing many to rethink their audio choices.
Influencers Sound Alarm on Wireless Radiation
More and more social media influencers are warning about the possible dangers of wireless headphones and earbuds. In fact, videos voicing concerns about wireless radiation have gotten over 64 million views on social media in total.
Their primary concern? The electromagnetic radiation emitted by Bluetooth and WiFi devices.
“If you don’t use headphones with a cord, you’re literally frying your brain,” warns @theobergmann.
“The problem is that AirPods release radiation, and the even bigger problem is that the radiation gets emitted directly into your brain.”
Other influencers also share the same sentiments.
Some even point to studies on potential risks when human cells are exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). According to them, these studies found more DNA breaks, which could lead to cancers if the cells don’t fix themselves properly.
Wired Headphones Emerge as the Trendy, Safe, and Practical Choice
As worries about wireless tech grow, so does the appeal of wired headphones.
But, this is not just for their perceived safety. It’s also for their economic and aesthetic appeal.
Take, for example, the Instagram account @wireditgirls. This account curates photos of celebrities like Jenna Ortega and Lily-Rose Depp rocking wired headphones. And, it now has more than 14,000 followers.
The account shows the practical benefits of wired headphones and how they improve a celebrity’s style, increasing their popularity and appeal. This taps into a trend of liking analog, hands-on experiences and showing a chill, low-tech style.
Besides their visual appeal, supporters claim that wired headphones provide better sound quality, are more affordable, and offer a “don’t bother me” vibe.
Are the Concerns About Wireless Headphones True?
While the anti-wireless headphone movement gains traction, medical experts are still split on the issue.
The discussion centers on ionizing radiation, which can change atoms and damage cells, and non-ionizing radiation, which most scientists view as harmless.
Dr. John Torres, the Senior Medical Correspondent of NBC News, reassures that the Bluetooth radiation from wireless earbuds should not be a concern.
He then adds that volume control is a bigger concern for potential hearing damage from in-ear headphones.
This is echoed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). According to them, devices like Apple’s AirPods are safe within their regulatory standards.
Dr. Matthew MacDougall, a neurosurgeon at Neuralink, also downplays concerns about EMFs and heat from wireless headphones.
He argues that the human body can handle minor heat changes well and has mechanisms to repair DNA from low-level radiation exposure.
However, Stanford neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman cites personal health issues and concerns about EMFs as reasons for discontinuing his use of Bluetooth headphones.
He mentioned that he kept getting cysts on his lymph nodes whenever he used wireless headphones.
Another neuroscientist, Dr. Ben Rein, also said that, while there’s no real evidence that AirPods can fry our brain, there’s also no evidence against it. So, it’s best to just go for the side of caution.
“There are groups of scientists who believe that anything you put in your ear or attach closely to your head should be very carefully studied. I agree with that.” he said.
“I think human beings should be generally cautious and aware of the things we expose ourselves to through our diet and our daily habits.”
Yet, critics have also questioned the credibility of groups like the “EMF Scientist” petition calling for more EMF research. They cite a lack of substantial, repeatable evidence and the promotion of pseudoscientific conditions like “electromagnetic hypersensitivity.”
Alternative Options
For those concerned about potential risks, alternatives such as air tube headphones offer a compromise.
This type of headphones transmits sound through an air-filled tube to minimize electronic components near the head. Its design reduces EMF exposure significantly by keeping the electrical elements away from the user’s head.
Also, limiting the use of Bluetooth headphones is recommended not due to EMF concerns but to prevent hearing damage from prolonged exposure.
Don’t worry expert say it’s fine, stop asking questions and let us tell you how to think. Dr. John Torres