Ear health and wireless headsets – what you need to know

The global market for true wireless headsets is projected to grow by 33% year-on-year, reaching 310 million units sold in 2021. With consumers looking for better audio experiences, the rise of on-demand audio streaming, an increase in remote work, and a need for smart tech that enhances the way we live, it’s no wonder that wireless headsets are dominating the market.



As we turn to the convenience and immersive sound experiences of wireless headsets to meet our music, gaming, work, and fitness needs, it’s important to know about the safe use of wireless headsets and how to choose the most hygienic devices. Especially since some have been found to cause ear infections and allergic reactions. 

Many people use wireless headsets when exercising because of the convenience of wire-free listening, but what some don’t know is that the heat and sweat produced when working out with wireless headsets can result in painful ear infections. This is especially common in summer because of warm and humid weather. 

Even if you aren’t exercising, wearing poor-quality headsets for too long can lead to inflammation in the ear canal, especially because the skin inside your ear is sensitive and more prone to irritation. Inflammation can also be caused by inadequate cleaning, or, if your headsets are not made of hypoallergenic material, an allergic reaction to the earbud material could be the culprit. Common symptoms include itchy ear canals, swelling and inflammation, sensitive, dry, or flaky skin in or around the ears, or experiencing stinging, tingling, or painful sensations.

Some manufacturers have recommended that users wear their wireless headsets for shorter lengths of time to avoid this, but this doesn’t address the root cause of the problem. Luckily, good hygienic practises, well-designed hypoallergenic gel tips, and ultraviolet (UV)-equipped charging cases do, such as LG’s FN6 and FN7 TONE Frees, which feature UVnano tech that kills 99.9% of the bacteria on your headsets.

 

Keeping your wireless headsets germ free

Wireless headsets are easy to misplace because of their small size and lack of a wired connection. If you don’t put them back in their case after using them, you’re likely to soon find them under the couch, at the bottom of a bag, or inside a jacket you wore a few days ago. When your wireless headsets go missing in these locations, they’re likely to pick up dust, grime, and bacteria, which is why you should always clean them before wearing them again. Even better, choose headsets with functionality that helps ensure they don’t go missing. With LG’s TONE Frees and the easy-to-use app, you can simply locate each individual earbud using the ‘Find My Earbuds’ feature. If they are still connected via Bluetooth to your phone, you can use the app to make the buds beep and find their hiding spot. If they aren’t connected, live GPS tracking will show the last place the buds were connected. 

One of the most effective ways to rid your wireless headsets of germs is with UV light. LG’s TONE Free FN6 and FN7 wireless headsets come standard with a charging case that features UVnano technology. The case uses UV light to remove 99% of bacteria from the surface of your headsets within 10 minutes of charging, and helps kill germs in any impossible-to-reach places. UV light destroys bacteria and viruses at a molecular level, without using toxic chemicals, making it an easy and effective method of getting rid of germs. 

Comfort-maximising features

TONE Free wireless headsets are also made with comfort in mind – from their design to their composition. Encased in a soft, flexible, medical-grade gel made from a non-toxic, hypoallergenic silicone, the spiral design maximises comfort, and the vortex ribs distribute pressure more evenly, allowing a perfect fit for any ear shape. This means they feel more comfortable, and listeners can wear their headsets without having to worry about inflammation or allergic reactions.

 

Music to your ears



Wireless headsets also need to deliver when it comes to sound, and LG’s expanded TONE Free line-up offers an advanced listening experience. Built-in microphones and the spiral design of the buds maximise active noise cancellation, neutralising unwanted sounds coming from all directions. This allows you to immerse yourself in your audio, no matter what’s going on around you. All TONE Free wireless headsets also feature Merdian’s digital signal processing technology that recreates a realistic soundstage, and dual microphones enhance call clarity. Thanks to their long battery life, the FN7s can deliver fully immersive sound for up to seven hours (and another 14 hours from the charging case). 

With true wireless headsets meeting so many of our on-the-go audio needs, it’s good to know that LG is using innovative tech to not only deliver immersive sound but also prioritise health and hygiene.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Empowering Business Connectivity and Innovation: Insights from HPE and Tarsus Leadership

Vodacom Group enhances employee offerings to endorse inclusivity and promote well-being.

How can we grow young female entrepreneurship in South Africa?