Earphone Natural Sound Safety Tips【Part2】
Part 2Precautions for Listening to Natural Sounds with EarphonesListening to natural sounds with earphones or headphones is generally a safe and effective method for relaxation, but certain usage patterns carry potential risks.Below are general precautions, focusing primarily on physiological risks backed by high-certainty scientific evidence.Scientifically Optimal Usage (Safe Range)Based on reliable evidence, the recommended conditions are:✅ Time: 20–30 minutes (to avoid risks of prolonged use)✅ Volume: Below normal conversation level (to prevent auditory fatigue)✅ Purpose: Before sleep, during breaks, or to reset on high-stress days✅ Frequency: 1–2 times per day (to prevent habitual over-reliance)✅ Before Sleep: Always use an off-timer (to prevent excessive exposure during sleep)ConclusionListening to natural sounds for more than 20 minutes is a scientifically validated self-care method for:Regulating the autonomic nervous systemReducing stress hormonesRecovering from mental fatigueImproving sleep qualityIt has almost no side effects and can be incorporated into daily life. However, it is important to pay attention to volume, duration, and excessive habitual use based on research with high certainty. Individual responses vary, so adjust usage if discomfort occurs.References (Natural Sounds, Auditory Stimulation, Alertness, Auditory Fatigue, Habitual Use)① Excessive Volume and Auditory Fatigue / Acoustic StressKujawa, S. G., & Liberman, M. C. (2009)Adding insult to injury: cochlear nerve degeneration after “temporary” noise-induced hearing loss.Journal of Neuroscience, 29(45), 14077–14085.👉 Even temporary noise exposure can cause fatigue and functional decline in inner ear hair cells and auditory nerves. This foundational study shows that “temporary exposure” does not guarantee safety.Basner, M. et al. (2014)Auditory and non-auditory effects of noise on health.The Lancet, 383(9925), 1325–1332.👉 A comprehensive review showing that sound exposure affects auditory, autonomic, and cognitive systems. Volume × duration are key risk factors.② Prolonged Sound Exposure and Decreased Alertness / Reaction SpeedGoel, N., Rao, H., Durmer, J. S., & Dinges, D. F. (2009)Neurocognitive consequences of sleep deprivation.Seminars in Neurology, 29(4), 320–339.👉 Lowered alertness leads to slower reactions and reduced attention. Provides indirect caution for long-term use of “alertness-suppressing stimuli” like natural sounds.Lowden, A. et al. (2011)Effects of noise on cognitive performance.Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 52(6), 527–533.👉 Sound exposure affects alertness and task performance; judgment errors increase under low-alertness conditions.③ Habitual Reliance on External Stimuli and Autonomic RegulationPorges, S. W. (2007)The polyvagal perspective.Biological Psychology, 74(2), 116–143.👉 Excessive reliance on external stimuli can weaken internal autonomic regulation.Thayer, J. F., & Lane, R. D. (2000)A model of neurovisceral integration in emotion regulation.Journal of Affective Disorders, 61(3), 201–216.👉 Autonomic regulation relies on internal cues such as breathing and interoception; exclusive dependence on external input has limitations.④ Supplementary Basis for “Excessive Effectiveness” of Natural SoundsMcEwen, B. S. (2007)Physiology and neurobiology of stress and adaptation.Physiological Reviews, 87(3), 873–904.👉 Excessive recovery stimuli can shift toward lowered alertness. Theoretical basis for “dose management required.”