Try This: AirPods

Try This: Why I Stopped Using AirPods

Hi ,

As an entrepreneur, I get pretty excited about the latest technology—AND I usually welcome it. 

AirPods are a great example of this. They’re the best-designed wireless headphones on the market. In 2020, they were third in revenue behind Tesla and Netflix—more than $23 billion in sales!—and for good reason. 

They are wildly comfortable and super convenient, they have a long battery life, and they are so light that you forget they’re in your ear. What’s not to love?

To the naked eye, nothing! AirPods have totally changed the wireless headphone game. But in the world of electromagnetic fields (EMFs), there are some concerns about their safety.

Just to be clear, we’re not telling you to throw away your AirPods. Rather, I’d like to share why this is a case where I would apply the precautionary principle because we’re not positive about what the long-term consequences are yet.

Today’s newsletter is about minimizing your exposure to EMFs from AirPods (or any type of wireless headphones) using practical strategies you can easily implement into your everyday life.

I can’t wait to crawl into my bed after a long day of work or traveling. And because sleep is so important to me, I want to make sure I’m giving my body the very best environment to recover, and my Cozy Earth bed sheets help me do just that. 

Cozy Earth’s bed sheets are free from toxic chemicals, temperature-regulating, and naturally antibacterial. They are made of incredibly soft, responsibly sourced viscose from bamboo fabric.And it’s not just me who's obsessed with their bedding, Cozy Earth has made Oprah’s list of favorite things five years in a row!

Cozy Earth is offering my community 40% off their bed sheets (which come in seven stylish colors) with the code TRYTHIS40 at checkout. And for a limited time, this offer also applies to Cozy Earth’s silk pillows and waffle bath towels. 

Let’s jump in. 

The Problem with EMFs

The main concern with prolonged EMF exposure is that it can interfere with the communication between our cells and create free radicals that damage our DNA and tissues. Over time, this could lead to an increased risk of developing tumors and cancer, which is especially alarming when it comes to our brains. 

Check out our deep dive to learn more about the risks of long-term EMF exposure and how to reduce contact and protect your brain.

The Argument against Wireless Headphones 

Like all electronic devices, headphones emit EMF radiation. But with wireless headphones in particular, you’re getting hit with both radiofrequency (RF) radiation from Bluetooth (a form of EMF similar to Wi-Fi routers and cell phones) and EMF radiation from the battery of inside the headphone.

The Name of the Game Is to Protect Your Brain

With wireless headphones, my biggest issue is how close in proximity they are to our brains! We’re inserting them directly into our ears (usually for long periods of time), which is different from how we interact with other forms of technology. 

What’s more, when we wear wireless headphones, they are constantly emitting EMFs through our brain and ear tissue (even when they’re not turned on), which makes our brains even more vulnerable to free radical damage and inflammation.

I know this all might sound a little scary, but it’s important to remember that exposure to manmade EMFs is a part of living in today's world. This isn’t anything you need to obsess over, but there are things we can do to significantly reduce our exposure. 

In my protocol below, you’ll find my top tips for reducing EMF exposure from headphones so you can take a precautionary approach and start protecting your brain today. 

Try This:

  • Switch back to wired headphones. I know this sounds crazy, but when it comes to EMFs, wired headphones are actually the better option. Because they don’t have a battery or Bluetooth, they emit far less EMF radiation than wireless headphones. And like I said, I know how amazing AirPods are, but honestly, switching back to wired headphones wasn’t that bad. Not only do they reduce the level of EMF exposure to your brain, but news flash: they’re totally back in style!

  • Talk on speakerphone when you can. Talking on the phone further away from your body is a simple and easy way to significantly reduce our brain’s exposure to EMFs.

Let’s be real, though. I know some of you are probably reading this newsletter and rolling your eyes, thinking, “Yeah right, Dhru! The only way you’re going to get me to stop using my AirPods is if you rip them out of my cold, dead hands.” And that’s fair!If you don’t feel comfortable switching to wired headphones or talking on speakerphone, here are some more practical recommendations you can try:

  • Take your AirPods out of your ears when you’re not using them. This might sound simple, but you would be surprised at how many people keep their AirPods in when they’re not using them! Simply taking them out of your ears can cut back your EMF exposure significantly. 

  • Don’t fall asleep with your AirPods in. Many people fall asleep listening to a sleep track or watching something on their phone. This is a problem because your brain and body’s immune system are firing on all cylinders while you’re asleep.  EMF exposure from sleeping with your AirPods in (or your cell phone near your head) can interfere with the detoxification and the repairing and removal of damaged DNA and cells. Over time, this can cause damage to our brain tissue. 

Final Thoughts 

I used to use my AirPods all the time, but knowing what I do now about EMFs and the fact that I got a weird buzzing in my ears, I have phased them out of my life and switched back to using wired headphones and talking on speakerphone when I can.

Although when I fly (maybe once or twice a month), I’ll bring my AirPods Max headphones with me to listen to a podcast or watch something on my laptop. I love them because they cancel out any background noise on the plane, but at the end of the day, they are still wireless, which, again, is why I minimize their use.

The point is, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about having the awareness and finding what works for you. Small changes have the power to make a big impact. 

After reading the data and having talked to some of the leading experts in the field, I honestly feel taking a precautionary approach is the best option for now, and I will continue to keep you posted as new research comes out. 

Here’s to your brain health,Dhru Purohit

P.S.: My cowriter, Taylor, loves her AirPods and says she’s not ready to give them up just yet! And get this…that’s OKAY! We are all doing the best we can, and we have to prioritize the areas of our lives that make the most sense for us and where we’re at in our health journeys. 

"Busted! Jk jk... I'm just over here listening to my favorite podcast! ;)"- Taylor