Shocking! This Wearable Stimulates Your Muscles Whether You’re Working Out or Not

It’s 2019, people, and we could all use an upgrade. We’re not talking upgrades on your shoe closet or that old kitchen appliance that needs replacing. We’re talking about sleek, fancy new electronics to bring your home into the 21st century. And it turns out, Jet.com is an ideal place to find the latest models, the best brands, and the downright *prettiest* electronics that will turn your home into a smart home. To go with a very smart homeowner (that’s you, just in case you weren’t sure). Check out some of these elegant, new “toys” that you may not have realized were just waiting to jump into your cart at Jet.com.

If you choose to tackle your commute, gym session, desk job, or grocery shopping with the aid of good music or your favorite podcast, chances are you’re spending a lot of time wearing headphones. With more of us plugged in to portable devices than ever, should we be worrying about the impact of sending sound straight into our eardrums? The World Health Organization thinks so: They’ve warned that listening to audio devices too loud and for too long is damaging the hearing of millions of teenagers and young adults. So how can we protect our hearing while also enjoying our favorite songs or podcasts? Listen up.

How Bad Are Headphones, Really?

This question has intrigued experts since the Walkman (RIP) came out in the late ‘80s, says Dr. Marco Jurado, an audiologist at Austin Regional Clinic in Texas. Dr. Jurado shares that the data is mixed: “Some studies have suggested that the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss was on the increase until the mid-2000s, whereas more recent studies have shown that it’s actually decreased in younger populations.” Regardless of how many young people are experiencing hearing loss, the experts agreed that the prevalence of headphones and earbuds have become a major contributing factor. “There are a number of causes of hearing loss, such as genetics or as a side effect of other illnesses, but the main culprit is noise, in particular, excessive use of headphones and earbuds,” says Dr. Leigh Hogan, an audiologist and founder of Hear Well Audiology.

It’s not simply that headphones are closer to your eardrums that makes them dangerous: As with any noise, it’s the volume that determines the impact on your hearing. Audiologist Dr. Meryl Hochdorf Miller from the Audiological Consultants of Atlanta in Georgia explains: “Sound loses energy, and therefore intensity, as it travels. If the sound coming out of your headphones is the same volume level as that emitted from a speaker, it is more dangerous, because the sound doesn’t travel as far to your eardrums.” The good news, then, is that headphones aren’t inherently damaging — but we have to use them responsibly.

What Makes for Good Headphones?

Given that the louder you listen, the more damage you’re doing, it’s best to look for headphones that reduce your urge to turn up the volume. Luckily, technology is here to help. “Noise-canceling or noise-reducing headphones mean you don’t have to increase the volume to overcome noise around you,” Dr. Miller points out. “Also, make sure that your headphones fit well. If they’re loose or tend to work their way out of your ears, you’re more likely to increase the volume to make up for the lost sound. If you have small ear canals, try over-the-ear headphones, earbuds that have a very small tip on the end, or having custom molds made.” That said, remember that it’s not just your hearing you have to think about when you’re walking down the street with your music blaring. “Be mindful of your surroundings when using noise canceling technology,” Dr. Jurado cautions. “There are some loud ambient sounds, like a car honk or approaching ambulance siren, that we still need to hear.”

If you feel comfortable broadcasting the fact you’re listening to a device and don’t mind carting around the extra bulk, headphones might be a better choice than earbuds. Dr. Whitney Hardy, a family medicine specialist with Ochsner Health System, warns, “Earbuds are more dangerous than headphones, because they sit closer to the eardrum and provide more direct vibration, increasing the decibel level of the sound by seven to nine decibels from its original level.” Solid justification for the headphones-as-accessory look.

What’s the Safest Usage?

The two key components of safe headphone use that all of our experts pointed to are, as Dr. Miller summarizes, how long and how loud? She describes a formula to keep in mind: “80 decibels (dB) is safe for up to eight hours: That’s about as loud as the garbage disposal in your sink. For every 3 dB you add to the volume, you have to cut the time in half. So if I listen to music at 83 dB and want to keep it at a safe level, I have to cut my listening time to four hours. At 86 dB, I will be safe at two hours, and so on.” So how do we make sure we’re not going over 80 dB? “Set the music so only you can hear it. If you turn headphones up loud enough that someone else in the same room can hear, it’s too loud.”

Don’t automatically trust your smartphone to protect you, either. “Many smartphones and MP3 players can reach a maximum volume as high as 100 dB, which is only safe for five minutes,” Dr. Hardy tells us. “A good rule to remember is the 60/60 rule, which is to listen for 60 minutes at 60 percent volume, then give your ears a break.”

One clue that the volume is too high, Dr. Jurado says, is tinnitus — that ringing in your ears you’ve probably experienced after going to a gig or a noisy nightclub. This specific form of tinnitus is known as a temporary threshold shift because it fades after a few hours, but “continuing use at this volume will certainly lead to hearing loss.” Unfortunately, it’s hard to know if overexposure to loud noises is damaging your hearing until it’s too late. Dr. Hogan says other symptoms to look out for are “feeling like your ears are full; difficulty understanding speech; having to ask people to repeat themselves; and having to turn the volume up on the TV or radio. If you notice any of these signs, get tested by a licensed audiologist.”

Even if you don’t — and especially if you use headphones a lot — Dr. Miller recommends getting tested to establish your baseline hearing, so you have a control to compare to later. Hearing safety might not be the height of rock ‘n’ roll, but take the careful approach now, and you can be tuning out the world with your headphones for years to come.

What headphones are your jam? Share them with us @BritandCo.

(Photos via Getty)

There’s no denying that Anthropologie is full of stylish finds. This especially reigns true around the holiday season – from leather picks to sequined shirts to velvet dresses, they’ve absolutely got some chic options for all the festivities. I scrolled through 368 of their new arrivals and found the 17 cutest items worthy of your winter wardrobe.

Scroll on for the best Anthropologie new arrivals for winter 2024!

Anthropologie

Pilcro Boxy Tee & Ribbed Sweater Vest Twofer

This sweater vest + shirt combo makes formulating winter outfits so easy. The knit looks and feels ultra-cozy!

Anthropologie

Good American Good Ease Relaxed Sparkle Jeans

I normally tend to avoid white jeans, but this pair has me thinking different. They're covered in tiny silver stripes that make me want to shout "it's party time!" for New Year's.

Anthropologie

ASTR The Label Jada Long-Sleeve Off-The-Shoulder Slim Midi Dress

Chocolate brown is that girl (Pantone's color of the year, Mocha Mousse, proves it), so I can't help but be in love with this midi dress. The off-the-shoulder design is equal parts sexy and snug.

Anthropologie

Maeve Faux-Leather Button-Front Belted Mini Skirt

This mini means business. Pair it with a simple red turtleneck for the coolest Christmas outfit there ever was!

Anthropologie

Maeve Scalloped Turtleneck Sweater Tank Top

This color combo is everything to me – the playful pink scalloped edge on this sweater tank will absolutely earn you major compliments among the family.

Anthropologie

Maeve Short-Sleeve Scoop-Neck Lace-Trim Blouse

This cotton top is sooo classy and timeless. The light blue with white accents is def winter-approved. Plus, it's part of an adorable matching set, if that's your thing! Personally I'd pair it with some wide-leg jeans to make it a bit more casual for my holiday schedule.

Anthropologie

Maeve Cotton Boxy Oversized V-Neck Sweater

From WFH days to cozy coffee runs with the hometown besties, this striped sweater lays on the body perfectly, with comfy, wide sleeves to match.

Anthropologie

Reformation Cary High-Rise Slouchy Wide-Leg Jeans

I am a wide-leg jeans lover through and through. They're just so comfortable! This pair in particular is singlehandedly convincing me that the stud trend is back in full force, and I need them now.

Anthropologie

The Katey Mock-Neck Bell-Sleeve Sweater by Maeve

You gotta have a classic sweater to keep you warm this winter. This one has some cute bell sleeves that sets it apart from your traditional cut! I'd snag it in the white color so I can easily pair it with everything from skirts to jeans this season.

Anthropologie

Baum und Pferdgarten Nuvin Metallic Faux-Leather Pants

Now these are some statement-making pants. The reddish wash feels like the perfect fit for Christmastime, but you should absolutely bust these out for a foxy New Year's outfit, too. Fun pants + fun blouse + boots, and you're good to go!

Anthropologie

Sam Edelman Darya Pleated Sweater Midi Dress

Sweater dresses will never let you down. I think the square neckline on this one is super flattering and just the right amount of revealing, though the rest of the garment gives you some great coverage, especially in the wintry cold weather.

Anthropologie

Maeve Cashmere Ruffle-Sleeve Mock-Neck Sweater

Everyone at Christmas dinner will be raving about this unique sweater. The bold stripes will make for some ahh-mazing Instagram pics, too!

Anthropologie

The Tilda Maxi Slip Skirt: Sequin Edition

Give me sequin everything, please. They're perfect for the most festive time of the year! This midi skirt is also part of a matching set (including the Maeve Sequin Tee) that you can rock together or separately throughout the season.

Anthropologie

Avec Les Filles Hourglass Blazer

If you're headed out on the town around the holidays, you'e gonna need something to bundle up in. This sophisticated blazer is made from wool, which can never let you down in the warmth department. The silhouette is slightly fitted, too, so you won't feel absolutely swarmed in it.

Anthropologie

Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese Bow Buttondown Blouse

I truthfully have not given up on the bow trend just yet. This adorable button-down blouse is covered in 'em, so don't cover it up!

Anthropologie

Sam Edelman Lyric Back-Tie Sweater

This next bow-filled find is business in the front, party in the back. Pair it with a black mini skirt and some tights, then you've got a killer Christmas 'fit on your hands.

Anthropologie

Liv Foster Stretch Velvet Cutout Maxi Dress

This dress would be perfect for more formal holiday occasions. The strapless look will always be classy, plus you can always cover up with a red or green sweater if it's chilly AF out.

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