Do you think the white noise problem with your headphones might affect your hearing?

F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Do you think the white noise problem with your headphones might affect your hearing?

Do you think the white noise problem with your headphones might affect your hearing?

Do you think the white noise problem with your headphones might affect your hearing?

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Goku_Jerome
Senior Member

428

11-25-2025, 08:43 PM

#1

I observed white noise on my HyperX Cloud II wireless. They sent it to RMA and returned it saying everything is fine... Can white noise harm your hearing? It becomes noticeable only when no sound is playing. With headphones, you can't hear it, but I think the sound masks it. I'm worried that the constant background hum might affect my hearing over time.

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Goku_Jerome

11-25-2025, 08:43 PM #1

I observed white noise on my HyperX Cloud II wireless. They sent it to RMA and returned it saying everything is fine... Can white noise harm your hearing? It becomes noticeable only when no sound is playing. With headphones, you can't hear it, but I think the sound masks it. I'm worried that the constant background hum might affect my hearing over time.

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eth_mine
Member

53

11-25-2025, 09:13 PM

#2

White noise or rock music, the issue lies in the volume level and how long it lasts. Something barely noticeable at 45dB could become an issue over time.

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eth_mine

11-25-2025, 09:13 PM #2

White noise or rock music, the issue lies in the volume level and how long it lasts. Something barely noticeable at 45dB could become an issue over time.

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emmylee33
Senior Member

710

11-26-2025, 03:35 AM

#3

It's calm, and most people wouldn't notice it. The white noise remains consistent regardless of headphone volume. My worry is whether that persistent buzz near the ears could be damaging.

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emmylee33

11-26-2025, 03:35 AM #3

It's calm, and most people wouldn't notice it. The white noise remains consistent regardless of headphone volume. My worry is whether that persistent buzz near the ears could be damaging.

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Fabista
Member

175

11-26-2025, 11:18 AM

#4

If it's barely noticeable and few people would even detect it, I don't think it's a concern. This is similar to other situations. The guidelines from NIOSH are relevant here:
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/r...dance.html
Workers can be exposed to 85dB for eight hours without issue. The ambient background noise isn't close to that level. You can find sound pressure level examples at:
https://decibelpro.app/blog/decibel-char...sources/#2
Unless your background noise is extremely low, like a vacuum cleaner, then it's probably fine.

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Fabista

11-26-2025, 11:18 AM #4

If it's barely noticeable and few people would even detect it, I don't think it's a concern. This is similar to other situations. The guidelines from NIOSH are relevant here:
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/r...dance.html
Workers can be exposed to 85dB for eight hours without issue. The ambient background noise isn't close to that level. You can find sound pressure level examples at:
https://decibelpro.app/blog/decibel-char...sources/#2
Unless your background noise is extremely low, like a vacuum cleaner, then it's probably fine.