Red light therapy (RLT), also known as photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific low-level wavelengths of red and near-infrared (NIR) light. This light promotes cellular changes, such as enhanced energy production within the mitochondria, supporting benefits like improved skin appearance and muscle recovery. Since sessions typically last 10 to 20 minutes, many users wonder if wearing headphones is permissible. This article provides the answer and practical advice for incorporating audio into your therapy routine.
The Primary Concern: Light Interference vs. Electronic Safety
The quick answer to whether you can wear headphones during RLT is yes, and it will not interfere with the treatment’s effectiveness. Red and NIR light operate within the non-ionizing part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Their low-energy photons do not disrupt the electromagnetic signals used by standard consumer electronics, including wireless technologies like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Electronic safety concerns are minimal because RLT devices are designed to be non-thermal. They do not generate the significant heat or high-intensity electromagnetic fields (EMF) that would damage standard audio equipment. While RLT panels, like any electrical device, do emit extremely low levels of EMF, these are often far less than those produced by common household electronics. The magnetic field drops off dramatically within a few inches, making the risk negligible at the recommended treatment distance.
Practical Guidelines for Wearing Audio Devices
The main consideration for using audio devices during therapy is ensuring the light can still reach the areas of the body being treated. The effectiveness of RLT depends on direct light exposure to the skin, where the light is absorbed by the cells. Therefore, the physical placement and size of the audio device are more important than any electronic concern.
Over-ear headphones, especially those with large earcups, can physically block the red or NIR light from reaching the skin on the temples, ears, or jawline. If the treatment goal includes these areas, the physical barrier will reduce the therapeutic effect in the covered spots. Users undergoing full-body treatments should also be mindful of any large device covering a significant patch of skin.
For optimal light penetration and convenience, wireless earbuds or bone conduction headphones are the most practical solutions. Earbuds insert into the ear canal, leaving the surrounding facial and temporal skin fully exposed. Bone conduction headphones rest on the cheekbones, keeping the treatment area clear. Wired headphones are electrically safe, but the physical cable might limit movement or become a minor obstruction.
Material Risks: Heat, Reflection, and Device Damage
While the therapeutic light does not interfere with the device’s function, there are minor physical interactions between the light and headphone materials themselves. Some headphones contain reflective surfaces, such as glossy plastic or metal components, which can cause light to bounce away from the skin. This reflection slightly reduces the light dosage, or irradiance, in the immediate area around the reflective surface.
Prolonged exposure to high-intensity light can potentially affect the cosmetic integrity of certain materials over time. Headphone foam, plastic coatings, or ear cushions could theoretically degrade or fade with chronic high-intensity light exposure. To mitigate this minimal risk, users should ensure their RLT device is high-quality and only emits red (600–700 nm) and near-infrared (800–1000 nm) wavelengths, avoiding devices that might also emit UV light.
A common misconception is that RLT can damage the lithium-ion batteries found in most wireless headphones. The red and NIR light energy does not penetrate deeply enough to affect the internal components or generate sufficient thermal energy to harm the battery. Research has shown that concentrated light can be used to speed up the charging of specific lithium-ion battery chemistries, underscoring that the interaction is not destructive at RLT power levels.