Why Do People Use Earbuds So Much? What Do They Listen To?

During my childhood and early adult years in the 1970s and 1980s, transistor radios with wired earphones were popular.

I used one sometimes to listen to University of Kentucky sports events,  occasionally the news, and perhaps some music and other things.

But I don't think they were ever as common or popular as wireless earbuds are currently.

Now it seems that a large percentage, perhaps the majority in some cases, of persons I see  walking, jogging, and working are wearing wireless earbuds.

Many  earbuds even come with microphones.

What Do Folks Listen To?

Some individuals engage in lengthy phone conversations wearing earbuds. That's a key reason for microphones with them.

Others listen to music. Lots of people are big music lovers.

Some listen to sports events.

Others listen to podcasts.

Another use is to listen to material related to school or work. But I think that's a small percentage of usage.

Overall, there's much available to listen to. It’s amazing how much the Internet offers to listen to and to watch. 

Why Do Persons Use Earbuds So Much?

Some people feel the need for phone conversations with relatives, friends, coworkers, classmates, etc.  These conversations may be important. They also may not be, in many cases.

Others seem to dislike silence. They enjoy music as background noise to alleviate boredom doing routine tasks, to drown out other noises, or for some other reason. Perhaps they're big music lovers.

Others listen to podcasts that are educational, entertaining, or both.  In addition, many books are available in audio format.

Some persons may find earbuds a convenient way to listen to materials related to work and/or school.

Safety Issues With Listening to Earbuds

Hearing loss is one safety risk of using earbuds. A HealthPartners article [1] offers suggestions for using earphones safely to avoid harming your ears.

However, hearing loss is just one of the health risks of using earbuds and other types of earphones. Other harmful effects are potentially worse.

People are missing out on interpersonal conversations with companions or people they pass during their travels. They also miss the chance to enjoy quietly meditating, thinking about various things, and the joy of listening to the sounds of nature. In addition, they risk an accident by not being alert to dangers near them, such as traffic.

A 2022 Psychology Today article [2] states that listening to earbuds “is causing potentially irreparable damage to ourselves psychologically, emotionally, and socially.”

As for Myself   

I own a wireless Bluetooth earbud. I’ve had it for years. I’ve only worn it two or three times. My total time wearing it is probably less than one hour. It’s not my style.

Below is a photo I took of my Bluetooth earbud and its charging cable.

I also have multiple pairs of wired ear phones. I use them occasionally to listen to news or something else. But I don't use them often either.

Even when using my cellphone, I prefer reading news articles, etc., to listening to something.

Furthermore, I enjoy quietly meditating and thinking. The relative silence without earbuds or any other type of earphone or headphone allows me to plan, reflect, and when hiking or bicycling to experience the joys of the sounds of nature.

Furthermore, I consider it important to be alert to the sounds of traffic for safety purposes.

Closing Thoughts

I respect the right of persons to enjoy listening with earbuds, wired earphones, and/or headphones.

However, I think a lot of folks are missing out on a lot of opportunities to think, read, converse with others in person, and to enjoy the marvelous sounds of nature around them. Endangering their hearing is another problem, as is risking their safety by not being aware of nearby dangers.

I think the biggest risk is missing out on what I call the happiness or joy of "real" life by being attentive to sounds from an artificial ear piece instead. Please, let's seek to enjoy the real world around us.

DISCLOSURE: My second job is as a part-time retail store clerk. Some of the other employees, as well as some vendors to the store, use earbuds regularly.

NOTE:

This article was last revised on January 7, 2026.

ENDNOTES:

1 “How to Use Earbuds Without Damaging Your Ears”; HealthPartners; webpage accessed January 6, 2026; https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/how-to-use-earbuds-safely/

2 Taylor, Jim (reviewed by Michelle Quirk); “Listen Up: Why Earbuds Are a Threat to Ourselves and Society”; Psychology Today; August 30, 2022; webpage accessed January 6, 2026; https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-power-prime/202208/listen-why-earbuds-are-threat-ourselves-and-society/amp