If you thought the internet could no longer surprise you… this has arrived.
Conservative influencer Ian Miles Cheong, known for his alignment with the Donald Trump movement and the MAGA speech, became a trend on X after claiming that hearing aids “are making men homosexual.”
Yes, that’s what he said.
His publication, based on a misreading of a European scientific study, accumulated 4.6 million views, generating an avalanche of memes, criticisms and ironic comments.
On February 24, Cheong shared on X an analysis conducted in the Netherlands titled:
“The Sound of Pollution: A Comprehensive Analysis of Endocrine Disruptors and Hazardous Additives in Headphones”
(“The Sound of Pollution: A Comprehensive Analysis of Endocrine Disruptors and Hazardous Additives in Hearing Aids”).
The research examined 81 models of hearing aids sold in Europe, looking for the presence of potentially toxic chemicals, such as certain plasticizers and compounds associated with hormonal alterations.
The conclusion was clear:
There is no immediate or acute danger.
Chronic exposure to certain compounds could pose long-term risks.
Possible risks include some types of cancer, reproductive disorders, and chronic diseases.
Sexual orientation is not mentioned in any section.
In none.
Cheong decided to put his own spin on the information and posted:
“Dutch scientists: your hearing aids are making you gay.”
He also stated that the chemicals present “mimic hormones” and could cause “feminization in men.”
The problem is obvious: Endocrine disruptors can interfere with the hormonal system, but there is no scientific evidence linking the use of hearing aids with changes in sexual orientation.
Sexual orientation is not “contagious,” it is not “induced” by everyday chemicals, nor is it altered by listening to music via cable or Bluetooth.
They are completely different categories.
The networks did their thing.
Some viral reactions included comments like:
“I just found out I’m gay because of my seven-year-old hearing aids. Thanks for the info.”
“Men asking which hearing aids are ‘safe’ to use… I’m crying.”
“The real danger is not chemicals, it is misinformation.”
In a matter of hours, the post became meme material and an example of how a narrative can get out of control when science is mixed with ideology.
Beyond the ridiculousness of the statement, the episode reopens an important conversation: the ease with which complex scientific studies can be distorted to feed political or cultural agendas.
A technical analysis on materials and public health ended up becoming an absurd theory about “feminization” and homosexuality.
And although in this case mockery predominated, repeated misinformation ends up generating real confusion.
No, your headphones do not “make you gay.”
But if they helped you discover that your playlist has pure iconic pop… that’s another topic.