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Buy or Wait Guide: How Tariffs Will Change Tech Prices and What to Do Now, According to Experts

From phones to TVs, electric cars to cameras, CNET experts weigh in on what you should consider buying now, before tariffs increase prices.

Prices for most major tech products will be driven up in the coming year thanks to US President Donald Trump’s steep new import duties, according to economists. The tariffs have already had a sharp impact on US stocks, which have been sinking rapidly on the back of the tariff implementations. Then, on Wednesday, the president paused most of the tariffs, with the exception of China, raising tariffs on that country to 125%. 

The constant changes to the tariffs make it even harder to advise consumer purchases. Whether the tariffs will change the timing of your next tech purchase depends on what kind of tech you need. Before Wednesday’s announced tariff pause, we asked CNET’s experts for their thoughts on what devices you should consider buying now and what you can wait on, covering everything from phones, earbuds, TVs and laptops to gaming consoles, smart thermostats, electric vehicles and cameras.

Many of these products are either imported in their entirety or contain components that are not made in the US, like graphics processing units for PCs. Importing all those separate components will lead to higher costs under Trump’s barrage of tariffs.

Read more: Tariffs Explained: Impacts for You as Trump Confirms Worldwide Tariff Wave

The tariffs will have an effect on a sweeping range of consumer expenditures, well beyond just tech products. Your groceries will likely see bumps in the prices of bananas, coffee and seafood, among other things. Much of the clothing, footwear and furniture we buy is made overseas. It’s an indication of how the modern economy is built on a global scale with often complicated lines of interdependence. The Trump administration is hoping that the tariffs will lead to more manufacturing on American soil.

If you’re not ready to make a purchase now, don’t let yourself be rushed — especially for products priced in the thousands of dollars. You should always make sure that a purchase is a good fit for your budget. It’s also unknown at the moment how long the tariffs might be in effect.

«The tariffs are sweeping, and the effects are going to be even broader,» says Neale Mahoney, director of the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research and professor of economics at Stanford University. «It’s not a good time to be a consumer.»

Read more: How Much Will iPhone and Other Apple Prices Increase With ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs?

Even goods that aren’t directly impacted by the new tariffs could increase in price, according to Mahoney. During the first Trump administration, tariffs increased prices on washing machines, not dryers, but dryer prices increased as well. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, used car prices increased along with new car prices.

«There’s going to be some uncertainty as we move to what economists call a new equilibrium,» he says.

Read more: CNET Survey: Worries Over Tariff Price Hikes Are Pushing Americans to Buy Tech Sooner

Mobile devices

Phones

While Trump’s tariffs are aimed at increasing US-based manufacturing and boosting sales of products already made here, CNET’s managing editor for the mobile team, Patrick Holland, points out that there isn’t a mainstream phone that’s completely made in the US.

«Components come from all around the world,» Holland says. «That’s true for Apple, Samsung or Xiaomi. So Apple being based in the US is at a similar disadvantage from tariffs as Samsung is being based in South Korea.»

Holland is optimistic that Apple will find a way to absorb some of the increased importation costs in the short term. Nearly all iPhones are made in China, with the rest also made overseas. 

Read more: Mortgage Rate Predictions: Will Tariffs Impact Spring Homebuying?

Holland’s advice is to hold onto your current phone for as long as you can, rather than running out to buy one in the hopes of beating a possible price hike.

Other experts also warn against panic buying an iPhone, despite predicting that Apple’s prices could rise by around 10% in coming months. «[Tariffs] could lead to price increases of $50 to $150 on higher-end products like the iPhone Pro Max models and MacBook Pros,» Stephan Shipe, a certified financial planner and CEO of Scholar Financial Advising, told CNET earlier this week.

Wall Street analysts from Rosenblatt Securities, according to Reuters, anticipate that if the 43% tariff on China is passed to consumers, the cost of an iPhone 16 could rise from $799 to $1,142; the iPhone 16 Pro Max could increase from $1,599 to $2,300; and even the newly launched low-end iPhone 16E could increase in pricing from $599 to $856. A breakdown by the Wall Street Journal, meanwhile, looks at individual components and the retail price for an iPhone 16 Pro to show how much tariffs would raise manufacturing costs for Apple.

And prices could be driven even higher after China on Friday retaliated by placing export restrictions on rare earth elements used in producing phones, EVs and other electronics.

If tariffs and general inflation are affecting your ability to pay for a brand new, high-end phone, Holland’s best budget pick for those looking for a deal on a phone is the $500 Google Pixel 8A. «It has one of the best values of any phone sold today,» he says. «But I look forward to testing the recently announced Pixel 9A that goes on sale Thursday, April 10.»

Smartwatches

Smartwatches may not be affected by the tariffs this year, according to Vanessa Hand Orellana, CNET lead writer for smartwatches and wearable technology. «I’m not sure if it will hit this year’s smartwatch production cycle despite reports,» she says. «At this point in production, it’s likely that all the manufacturing pieces for the 2025 watch models have already been ordered.»

But for next year’s watch production, she’s hopeful that Trump will realize the economic blow to businesses and individuals and reverse his stance on tariffs just like he did with the TikTok ban. Otherwise, tariffs will no doubt affect the pricing of 2026 smartwatches.

Hand Orellana also cautioned against panic buying: «I know a lot of people who are stocking up on products right now because of tariffs, and I can’t help feeling that this doomsday-style planning is just going to leave me with a pile of stuff,» she says. 

Headphones and earbuds

If you’re in the market for a new set of headphones or earbuds, CNET executive editor David Carnoy says pricing will likely remain the same for existing inventory already in stores. 

«But as inventory is depleted, prices could rise if the tariffs remain in place. And all bets are off for new products coming to market,» Carnoy says. 

Current products should remain stable, but we could be in for «sticker shock» with new product releases from big names later this year. Carnoy has already seen Edifier increase its price of the NeoBuds Planar; they were initially set to be launched at $200, but when they hit the market on March 11, they were adjusted to $300 due to an increase in tariffs.

«As Edifier did, companies will bake in the price increase at launch. We were seeing $10 to $20 inflationary price increases on more premium next-gen earbuds and headphones even before the tariffs. We could see $40 to $50 price increases now with new products,» Carnoy warns.

TVs

Now is a good time to shop for a 2024 model if you’re looking for a new TV, according to CNET senior director of content David Katzmaier. TVs from last year are currently at their lowest prices as retailers clear out inventory for new stock.

«New 2025 TVs are hitting store shelves and online retailers this spring, but their prices will remain high until the fall and the holiday season,» he says. 

But if you don’t need a new TV right now, Katzmaier advises against buying until you do need one.

«TVs last a long time,» he says. «Yes, tariffs could push prices higher on new TVs, but whether they’ll affect TV prices around sales times — think Black Friday and later in November and December — is an open question.»

Gaming consoles

High-end consoles

The question is whether retailers will instantly begin raising prices, or whether new pricing would only apply to inventory that’s imported from now on, CNET senior editor and gaming writer David Lumb says. He advises buying before the next restock in the next few days or the next week or two, just to make absolutely sure, if a purchase is something you’ve already budgeted for.

«If you really want a console already on the market, my instinct is to buy before the next restock to make absolutely sure — whether that means in the next few days or the next week or two,» Lumb advises. «Companies are reeling now, but still selling.»

The Nintendo Switch 2, introduced this week, is also likely to be affected. It won’t be available until June 5, but already US preorders of the Switch 2 have been delayed due to the tariffs. Preorders of the Switch 2 were supposed to begin on April 9, with a starting price of $450. It’s not yet known whether the pricing will increase, or what date preorders will begin.

«If people want a console currently on the market, like the PS5 or Xbox Series X, it might be smart to buy now,» Lumb says. «Even if retailers don’t need to raise prices, they might anyway out of uncertainty, panic or greed.»

Gaming PCs

Like laptops and phones, the biggest worry is over the internal components of gaming PCs. «These will almost surely get hit with tariff-related increases — especially since many are made by smaller companies than Nintendo, Sony or Microsoft that can absorb some or all of these tariff increases (if they want),» Lumb says. 

Several factors have already made GPUs a high-cost component, and this will likely only worsen with tariffs.

«GPUs have seen skyrocketing prices in the last 6 to 8 years due to successive event trends that caused scarcity — namely the crypto mining craze and pandemic-related supply chain issues, during which the world’s biggest GPU maker, Nvidia, steadily raised its prices,» Lumb explains. That, combined with its central role in the gen AI boom, caused stocks to skyrocket and Nvidia to become one of the richest companies in the world, he says. «So they won’t blink at raising GPU prices even more.»

AMD told CNET that while semiconductors are exempt from the new tariffs, it is «assessing the details and any impacts on our broader customer and partner ecosystem.»

Handheld consoles

As for handheld gaming consoles, like the Steam Deck, Lenovo Go S and the other smaller PC-on-the-go handhelds, Lumb predicts tariff pricing increases will kick in pretty quickly as these devices «don’t have the institutional resistance to keep prices low.»

«If you’re thinking about a handheld, it’s probably better to buy one now,» he advises.

So the gamers who are most advised to «buy now» are those buying PCs or handheld gaming devices. 

Computers

Laptops and PCs

The tariffs are going to require buyers to be smart shoppers, hunting for bargains.

«I’ve already seen prices increase on laptops since the threat of tariffs were known,» says Matthew Elliott, CNET senior editor for laptops and computers. «But most vendors and online retailers offer rotating sales, so you can still find a good deal if you have the time and patience to monitor pricing, and time your purchase for when a discount hits the model you want.»

Tariffs have already affected laptop pricing. Acer CEO Jason Chen said in February that the company would raise its prices by 10% in anticipation. «We will have to adjust the end user price to reflect the tariff,» the CEO of the Taiwan-based company said. «We think 10 (percent) probably will be the default price increase because of the import tax. It’s very straightforward.»

Even if computer companies want to shift and obtain their parts from the US, it’s not likely to be practical.

«All computers and peripherals are likely to be touched by these global tariffs in some way,» says Josh Goldman, CNET managing editor for computers. «While there are companies big and small that assemble PCs in the US and there are US component makers, it’s unlikely all parts can currently be sourced from US manufacturers.»

His advice is to get that computer soon if you need one, but — as Elliott notes above — look for sales and deals, like the upcoming Memorial Day sales.

«I wouldn’t wait to see if prices go up and out of financial reach,» Goldman recommends. «That said, spring is typically filled with sales on tech for Memorial Day weekend, dads and grads and then back-to-school. Discounts might not be as deep as in the past, but if you keep an eye on a model you want, you should be able to minimize the impact of the tariffs on your purchase.»

One tiny bit of good news is that you may not have to worry about the pricing of used and refurbished tech devices and laptops. They could be a good way to save money and keep tech out of landfill.

But don’t get too excited: «If the tariffs do drastically increase the prices on new computers for an extended time, it’s possible even the prices on refurbished devices will go up with demand,» Goldman warns.

Home tech

Now is also a good time to buy smart home tech like higher-end security cameras, video doorbells, smart thermostats and smart displays, according to the advice of Tyler Lacoma, CNET smart home and home security editor. Especially if you’re eyeing home devices in the over-$200 price point.

«The impact of tariffs will be most noticeable among smart home technology that already has higher prices,» Lacoma says. 

But don’t expect to find a secret cache of smart-home products that will go untouched by the tariffs.

«Home tech devices are a combination of computer chips, electronic components and many different frame materials,» he says. «I doubt there is any device that will be unaffected by the latest tariff news.»

Cameras

If you’ve got a camera on your wish list, you shouldn’t wait to buy it, says CNET senior writer Jeff Carlson — who’s written numerous books about photography and who co-hosts the PhotoActive.co podcast.

«I hate to inspire panic-buying, but I’d say if you’re already planning on buying a camera now but wanted to wait until the next revision rolls around, it’s possible that waiting will cost you more,» Carlson warns.

A lot of camera equipment comes from Japan, and as recently as a week ago, some photography experts were hoping that country wouldn’t be affected by the tariffs. But Carlson still found himself in an exceptionally crowded camera store recently, as buyers worried that any electronics from Asia might jump in price.

«And now we know that Japan is included, so they were right to come in,» Carlson notes.

Electric vehicles and other cars

Most Americans can’t rush out and stock up on SUVs just because of the new tariffs, even though car prices will almost certainly go up. But you might not realize that vehicles aren’t the only automotive item that will be affected — things like dashboard cameras and EV chargers for your home could also become more expensive.

«The tariffs will also likely affect automotive parts and accessories, so if you’re on the fence about picking up a dash cam, portable jump starter or extra EV charger, now might be a good time to pull the trigger,» says Antuan Goodwin, CNET writer and automotive and EVs expert.

The tariffs aren’t good news for car junkies, Goodwin notes.

«Many of the tariffs are laser-targeted at the automotive industry, so there’s not much that won’t be affected,» he says. «From the vehicles themselves to the parts they’re made of, consumers should expect that everything automotive, even for domestic makes, will get more expensive.»

The tariffs could also mean more expensive repairs and replacement parts for the cars we already own.

Technologies

In a World Without BlackBerry, Physical Keyboards on Phones Are Making a Comeback

Commentary: You might not even need a new phone to get clicky buttons.

If you have fond memories of clicking away on the BlackBerry, the Palm Treo, the T-Mobile Sidekick or similar handhelds from back in the day, I have good news for you: Phones with keyboards are making a comeback. Sort of. 

There’s a growing number of companies looking to bring back clicky, tactile buttons, whether for that nostalgic appeal or to reinvent phone keyboards as an addition to your iPhone or Android device. Some of these have even just announced their plans at CES 2026 or will be bringing these button-filled phones to this year’s Mobile World Congress. 

From keyboard cases to modern-day BlackBerry clones, here’s what we know about the potential QWERTY renaissance. 

Why are keyboards on phones making a comeback?

It’s difficult to assess the exact turning point for when physical phone keyboards made a comeback, but we have a couple of guesses. Perhaps the biggest reason this is happening is that people rely on their phones as their primary computer. As such, they’re probably typing long emails or editing documentation with just their phone’s touch keyboard. 

While that’s perfectly fine for most people, some yearn for the comfort and tactile feel of physical keys. And perhaps getting tired of bad autocorrect errors when typing too quickly.

Another potential case for phones with keyboards is simply the desire for variety. Some people might feel a general fatigue over the familiar look and feel of modern smartphones. Having a handset that functions differently — see the popularity of recent flip and folding phones — is a welcome change. 

Plus, phones with keyboards appeal not just to the older generation who miss them, but also to the younger generation who are increasingly into retro tech. 

Can I get a BlackBerry in 2026?

Not really. If you want to get a new BlackBerry right out of the factory, you’re out of luck, as the company discontinued hardware production in 2020 and further discontinued its software services in 2022. 

You could try to get a BlackBerry on the secondary market (like the TCL-made KeyOne or Key2), but the Android version is outdated and won’t be as functional as other smartphones. Wirecutter’s Brenda Stolyar recently attempted to revive a Blackberry Classic Q20 from 2015 and discovered that, while it can still run modern apps, it takes a lot of patience to sideload them onto the device.

Zinwa is one company that’s buying up old stock of BlackBerry hardware, replacing the internals with new components, installing Android and then reselling them. Its first «product» is the Zinwa Q25, which is essentially a retrofitted BlackBerry Classic. You can buy the finished product for $400 or get a conversion kit for $300. 

What keyboard phones and accessories are currently available?

There are several options for keyboard phones on the market. 

Clicks keyboard case

The easiest way to get a phone with a keyboard is to turn your existing phone into one. That’s the promise of the Clicks keyboard case, which adds a physical keyboard to most modern smartphones. It made a big splash at CES 2024 and has continued to expand its lineup (we’ll get to that shortly). Simply pop your phone inside the case, and voila, you’ll have a phone with a keyboard.

In our hands-on, we liked the extra screen real estate, how quickly the keyboard interface worked, the preprogrammed keyboard shortcuts and the tactile keys. That said, the keyboard does feel a bit crowded, and it’s unclear if it’s that much more comfortable than the default touch keyboard. Currently, the Clicks keyboard case works with the iPhone 14 and newer, the Razr 2024 and newer and the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro. Its price starts at $139. 

There are also plans to release a Clicks Power Keyboard, that attaches to your phone via MagSafe or Qi2 magnetic connection. The Power Keyboard has a slider that accommodates phones of different sizes, plus it can be paired with a tablet, a smart TV or anything that uses Bluetooth. This makes the Power Keyboard much more flexible than the Clicks case, since it doesn’t need to be made for a particular device. 

The preorder price is $79, though that could go up in the future. 

Clicks Communicator

If you feel ready to get a dedicated keyboard-equipped phone, Clicks also recently announced the Clicks Communicator, an Android smartphone centered around the keyboard experience. It is designed by a former BlackBerry designer to show what a new BlackBerry phone would be like for 2026. It has a slimmed-down interface that prioritizes messaging apps, a text-based home screen and of course, a tactile and clicky keyboard.

As it’s not as full-featured as other modern smartphones, Clicks is positioning the Communicator as a secondary productivity-focused device, which might be a good thing if you’re trying to limit your social media screen time. 

It’ll be available later this year for $499, but you can preorder it now for $399. 

Unihertz Titan

Unihertz is a Chinese company that’s been making keyboard phones for a few years now. They’re all part of the Titan series and run Android. The current lineup includes the Titan, Titan Pocket, Titan Slim and Titan 2. Plus, an upcoming Titan 2 Elite has been teased for Mobile World Congress. It looks like a curvier addition to the lineup, compared with the other passport-shaped models. 

These phones look a lot like BlackBerrys of yore, and the Titan 2 in particular seems to bear a passing resemblance to the BlackBerry Passport. 

Prices start at around $300.

Ikko Mind One

The Ikko Mind One is a unique «card-sized» Android phone that comes with an innovative Sony 50-megapixel flip-up camera and, indeed, an optional keyboard case. It also ships with an «Ikko AI OS,» though it’s unclear how that works just yet. It looks utterly adorable, but we haven’t heard enough about it yet. 

The Pro version sells for $429. 

Minimal Phone

If you combined a Kindle with a BlackBerry, you might have the Minimal Phone. As the name suggests, the Minimal Phone is designed to be a super-simple distraction-free alternative to the modern smartphone. It has a generic e-paper display, a straightforward user interface, a QWERTY keyboard and the Android operating system. 

The price starts at $449. You can check out PCMag’s review of the Minimal Phone here.

Which physical phone keyboard should I get?

For now, the easiest way to get a physical keyboard on your phone is likely one of the Clicks accessories, since the keyboard case and power keyboard won’t require a full phone purchase. 

For most of these other devices, you’re entering a niche phone category, so support could be all over the place. You’ll want to check how many years of software and security updates these other phones are expected to receive. That way, you can have an idea about how many years of use you can safely get with these phones.

You’ll also want to consider how you want to use the device. If you’re looking for something that’s a step back from a more powerful yet constantly pinging device, the Clicks Communicator or the Minimal Phone might make a good secondary phone. The Unihertz Titan line and the Ikko Mind One may be a closer mimic of that BlackBerry experience. 

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Technologies

I Asked Audiologists if My Earbuds Are Damaging My Ears

I spoke with ear health experts to learn more about the risks of wearing earbuds and which headphone style is best to prevent hearing loss.

I experienced hearing loss for the first time in early 2025 due to a case of eustachian tube dysfunction, which is when the tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose no longer functions properly. Even after I recovered, I was scared it would happen again. So as a wellness writer with 10-plus years of experience who understands the importance of being proactive with my health, I decided to do everything in my power to prevent hearing loss from affecting me again.

While researching ear health tips, I discovered that a common piece of technology, my earbuds, could have been contributing to my hearing issues. To find out if that’s actually the case, I spoke to ear health experts. This is what they had to say, and what they taught me about preserving my ear health.

Earbuds, ear health and hearing risks

Earbuds can pose a few risks, according to Dr. Ruth Reisman, a licensed audiologist and New York hearing aid dispenser. They can trap heat and moisture in the ear, increasing the risk of ear infections. With repeated use, earbuds can also push earwax deeper into the ear, leading to buildup or impaction. Plus, if your earbuds don’t fit correctly or you wear them for long periods, they can cause irritation or soreness in your ear canal. 

“Earbuds sit directly in the ear canal, which can increase several risks. The biggest concern is noise-induced hearing loss if volume is too high or listening time is too long,” said Reisman. “I have witnessed all of these problems in the course of my 15 years as an audiologist.”

When you listen to content at high volume, particularly for an extended period, Dan Troast, an audiologist at HearUSA, explains that it can permanently damage the delicate hair cells in your inner ear. Earbud use combined with high volume can cause:

  • Noise-induced hearing loss
  • Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing or hissing in the ears)
  • Sound sensitivity over time

Misusing earbuds is also common. If they don’t have noise cancellation, you might repeatedly turn up the volume to avoid hearing background noise, which can put you in an unsafe listening range fast. However, even listening at a moderate volume can become a problem if you do so for hours each day. 

“Early signs of overexposure include temporary muffled hearing or ringing after listening sessions — both are warning signals from the auditory system,” Troast said. Even if you periodically experience temporary ringing in your ears, it can ultimately increase your risk of developing chronic tinnitus. 

Earbuds and radiation

In my search for ear health tips, I came across several articles discussing whether wireless Bluetooth earbuds can cause harm through radiation. I asked Reisman if this is true. 

“Current scientific evidence doesn’t show that the energy from Bluetooth earbuds causes harm,” she said. “These devices emit far less radiation than cell phones and remain well below established safety limits. From an audiology standpoint, sound exposure is a far greater risk than radiation.”

The 60/60 rule you’ll want to follow if you wear earbuds 

Both Reisman and Troast recommend the “60/60 rule” to people who wear earbuds. The 60/60 rule means you listen at no more than 60% of the maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time. 

“Daily use is fine if the volume stays safe and ears are given time to rest,” Reisman advises. “I usually tell patients to take a 15- to 20-minute break for every hour of use.”

If you haven’t already, Troast recommends checking whether your devices have built-in hearing health settings that automatically monitor volume exposure. For instance, on your iPhone, Apple Watch or iPad, you can set up headphone notifications to alert you to lower the volume when you’ve reached the seven-day audio exposure limit (such as 80 decibels for 40 hours over seven days). Or, you can activate the Reduce Loud Audio feature to have your headphone volume automatically lowered once it exceeds your set decibel level.

Safer types of headphones for your ears

Over-the-ear headphones are generally safer, according to Reisman, because they sit outside the ear canal and don’t concentrate sound as directly on the eardrum. Since they aren’t in the ear canal like earbuds, they’re also less likely to cause irritation or earwax buildup. 

“Over-the-ear headphones can be safer — if they allow for lower listening volumes,” said Troast. “Even better are noise-canceling headphones, which reduce background noise, so listeners don’t feel the need to crank up the volume.” Just make sure you’re still aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re outdoors near traffic. 

Open earbuds could also be a safer option. They use bone-conduction technology, which transmits sound through the earbones and the skull rather than directly to the eardrum. «Several headphone companies claim open earbuds are better for your hearing health and are more hygienic,» said David Carnoy, CNET’s resident headphone expert. 

Since open earbuds don’t sit inside or cover the ear:

  • Warmth and moisture, like sweat, won’t build up, which can cause ear infections. 
  • Debris, such as dust, won’t transfer from the earbuds into the ear. 
  • They won’t push earwax deeper in your ear, which can lead to impaction. 
  • Don’t rub or press on the ear canal, reducing discomfort or irritation.

However, if you listen to content at high volumes, no headphone style is completely safe. What matters most for your ear and hearing health is total sound exposure over time, so make sure you’re monitoring your volume level and giving your ears breaks. 

Expert earbud tips

If earbuds are your preferred headphone type for listening to your favorite music, shows and podcasts, Troast offers the following tips from an audiology perspective:

  • Use built-in volume limit settings on smartphones.
  • Choose noise-canceling earbuds or headphones to avoid increasing volume in loud environments.
  • Take regular listening breaks.
  • Avoid sleeping in earbuds.
  • Get a baseline hearing test, especially if you use earbuds daily.

If you’re already experiencing tinnitus, it’s especially important that you manage your volume level to prevent it from worsening. 

Carnoy adds that there have also been instances of people being allergic to the materials used for earbud tips. If you have a known allergy, make sure your earbuds don’t use that material, or replace the tips. If you do have an allergic reaction, stop using the earbud tips until you can find a substitute. 

Lastly, Reisman advises keeping your earbuds clean, avoiding sharing them and ensuring they fit properly. Most earbuds come with tips in different sizes, so you can find the right fit for your ear size.

When to see an audiologist or doctor

If you experience ringing in the ears, muffled hearing, ear pain or frequent infections, Reisman recommends you consider an evaluation with an audiologist. 

You’ll also want to pay attention to early warning signs of inner ear damage from noise exposure, such as ringing in the ears, difficulty hearing or needing to turn up the volume over time.

If you’re already experiencing hearing loss, Troast said that addressing it with hearing aids can provide relief. Tinnitus, on the other hand, can be treated with evidence-based approaches such as sound therapy or specific counseling strategies. 

“Hearing damage is gradual and cumulative,” Reisman said, “but it’s also largely preventable with smart and healthy listening habits.” And that includes using your headphones — or, in my case, earbuds — responsibly. 

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Technologies

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Saturday, Feb. 21

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Feb. 21.

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.


Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? It’s the long Saturday version, and some of the clues are stumpers. I was really thrown by 10-Across. Read on for all the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.

Mini across clues and answers

1A clue: «Jersey Shore» channel
Answer: MTV

4A clue: «___ Knows» (rhyming ad slogan)
Answer: LOWES

6A clue: Second-best-selling female musician of all time, behind Taylor Swift
Answer: MADONNA

8A clue: Whiskey grain
Answer: RYE

9A clue: Dreaded workday: Abbr.
Answer: MON

10A clue: Backfiring blunder, in modern lingo
Answer: SELFOWN

12A clue: Lengthy sheet for a complicated board game, perhaps
Answer: RULES

13A clue: Subtle «Yes»
Answer: NOD

Mini down clues and answers

1D clue: In which high schoolers might role-play as ambassadors
Answer: MODELUN

2D clue: This clue number
Answer: TWO

3D clue: Paid via app, perhaps
Answer: VENMOED

4D clue: Coat of paint
Answer: LAYER

5D clue: Falls in winter, say
Answer: SNOWS

6D clue: Married title
Answer: MRS

7D clue: ___ Arbor, Mich.
Answer: ANN

11D clue: Woman in Progressive ads
Answer:  FLO

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