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Living in a bubble: The headphone revolution

Living in a bubble: The headphone revolution

The rise of headphone and earbud use and its impact on society, health and culture

The Documentary Podcast · BBC World Service

April 2, 202526m 46s

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Show Notes

Headphones and earbuds have experienced a phenomenal rise in popularity worldwide, transforming how people consume audio content and impacting on various aspects of daily life. Per Sennström, one of the creators of Swedish company Earin, shares insights into how wireless earbuds first came about and how the revolution in listening took hold so quickly. The allure of high-quality sound, sleek designs, and wireless connectivity has led to their status as fashion accessories, often seen as a statement of personal style. But this surge in headphone use comes with its downsides. Social interactions and personal relationships are affected. Meanwhile, there are safety concerns - from accidents in the street and transport to worries over the impact on our hearing.