The 60-60 rule for AirPods and other earbuds is a guideline for hearing protection, recommending listening at no more than 60 percent volume for 60 minutes at a time. This rule, supported by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and Mayo Clinic, aims to prevent hearing damage from recreational loud sound exposure, which affects over a billion young people globally.

Decades of research, including work by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), show that sustained exposure to sounds at 85 decibels (dB) or higher can cause hearing loss. At 60 percent volume, most devices produce around 75-85 dB. The rule is based on the principle that for every 3 dB increase in sound level, safe listening time is halved. For instance, at 100 dB, safe listening time drops to just 15 minutes, and AirPods can reach 105-110 dB at maximum volume, risking damage within minutes.

To adopt the 60-60 rule, users can set volume limits on their devices, heed warnings about sustained loud listening, and consider noise-canceling over-ear headphones. Warning signs of hearing loss include persistent ringing in the ears (tinnitus), difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, and trouble understanding speech in noisy environments. While over-ear headphones may offer advantages in noisy settings, the core principle is to develop smarter listening habits to protect delicate cochlear hair cells, which do not regenerate.