Neurologist warns: I never wear earphones to bed amid dementia risk concerns

A prominent neurologist says he will never wear earphones or headphones to bed, citing potential long-term brain health risks. Dr. Bing, a neurologist, physician-scientist and epidemiologist who shares health guidance with about 200,000 followers, outlined three everyday practices he actively avoids to protect his brain. He begins with sleep and sound, arguing that while playing a podcast or white noise can help some people drift off, doing so at night can carry unintended consequences if not done carefully.

Lighting the debate, Dr. Bing warned that volume matters. He said that sounds played at high volumes can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, and over time this can lead to permanent hearing loss. He tied hearing loss to dementia risk, citing research that has long warned that once hair cells are damaged they do not regenerate. A Johns Hopkins study that followed 639 adults for nearly 12 years found that even mild hearing loss doubled dementia risk, while moderate loss tripled it. While he acknowledged that many rely on sound to fall asleep, he emphasized that how loudly one listens matters as much as how long.

Beyond volume, Dr. Bing said wearing earbuds or headphones for hours on end—especially overnight—creates an environment conducive to bacteria and moisture accumulation, raising the risk of ear infections. Poorly fitting headphones can rub or apply pressure to the ear canal night after night, potentially damaging the skin inside the ear. In rare cases, repeated trauma could restrict blood flow and cause tissue damage, a condition he described as necrosis. The overall message is that the habit is not harmless, even if many people use it routinely to fall asleep.

In his second non-negotiable habit, the neurologist highlighted oral health as a brain-protective priority. He noted that emerging research continues to link oral health with serious neurological outcomes. A 2025 study found that people with more gum disease and cavities had almost doubled stroke risk, and other studies have connected poor oral health to dementia and cognitive decline. While he cautioned that correlation is not causation, he argued the patterns are consistent enough to warrant attention. His emphasis on thorough oral care—manual flossing, water flossing and brushing—reflects a growing body of work exploring how the mouth may influence brain health over the long term.

Dr. Bing’s third rule takes aim at a daily habit many people don’t associate with brain health: time spent on the toilet. He said he does not sit on the toilet for more than five minutes, warning that prolonged straining can cause blood to pool in the legs and produce a sudden drop in blood pressure, which can lead to fainting. He acknowledged that some people with chronic bowel conditions may have limited choices, but his message to others was clear: avoid lingering in the bathroom long enough to compromise circulation.

The video and its framing quickly drew attention from viewers who frequent the same nightly routines. Commenters shared personal struggles with snoring partners and sleep needs, with several tagging partners to rethink their habits. Others questioned whether earphones truly pose a risk or if moderation and proper hygiene could mitigate dangers. The exchange underscored how intertwined daily habits are with brain health, and how people weigh sleep aids, sensory input and personal comfort in the context of aging and cognitive risk.

The discussion sits within a broader landscape of research linking sensory health, sleep quality and cognitive outcomes. While Dr. Bing is presenting his personal and clinical stance, his points echo the public health emphasis on preventative care and early risk reduction. The Johns Hopkins findings on hearing loss and dementia, along with studies centering on oral health and stroke or cognitive decline, contribute to a growing conversation about how everyday decisions—ranging from how we sleep to how we brush our teeth—may influence brain aging.

Medical professionals caution that recommendations should be tailored to the individual. For some, white noise or soft audio can be a harmless sleep aid when used at modest volumes and with appropriate breaks. For others, especially those with existing hearing concerns or sensitive ears, alternative sleep strategies may be prudent. The core takeaway, experts say, is mindful use of sound, diligent oral hygiene, and attention to routine habits that affect circulation and overall health. As researchers continue to explore the connections between hearing, sleep, oral health and brain function, patients are encouraged to consult healthcare providers to determine what adjustments—if any—are appropriate for their own risk profile.