Knowing how big an impact noise pollution and loud sounds can have on your hearing, you might think noise-cancelling headphones are a smart way to ensure your hearing is protected. And in many ways, this is the case.

“Noise-cancelling headphones can actually help to prevent hearing damage,” explains Specsavers’ chief audiologist Gordon Harrison. “The noise-cancelling feature enables you to enjoy your music at a lower volume – reducing the need to adjust the volume as you listen for an extended period and decreasing the risk of potential hearing damage.”

Of course, if you’re listening to music using noise-cancelling headphones and still have the volume high – over 85db – then you’re still putting yourself at risk of developing hearing damage, so you need to be careful.

Most smartphones should be able to tell you how loud your music is when you’re plugged in, so just make sure to keep it below 85db (ideally as low as possible); Apple Health has a hearing section that can tell you whether your seven-day sound exposure levels are within a healthy range.

Noise-cancelling headphones are everywhere – but are they good for our hearing?