Ear Infection and Headphones

Ear infections aren’t just for kids – they can also happen to adults. And one of the most common reasons people get them is from using headphones. “We’re seeing a lot of patients who have outer ear canal infections that are from using their earbuds for long periods of time,” says otolaryngologist, Paul Neubauer, MD, who treats ear infection cases five days a week at Stamford-based Ear, Nose and Throat Center.

The reason is that earbuds block air passages to the eardrum and promote moisture, which in turn increases bacteria in the ear canal. In addition, prolonged earbud use pushes earwax further into the ear canal and leads to a buildup that can lead to infection.

This is why it’s important to clean your earbuds regularly. Typically, you’ll find a wax or dirt buildup on the outside of earbuds that can be easily wiped off with an alcohol wipe. It’s also a good idea to store your earbuds in a case when you’re not wearing them so they don’t collect additional germs.

If you want to go one step further, you can buy products that are designed to help you get rid of bacteria on earbuds. But if you don’t have these products, the best way to clean your earbuds is to wash them with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and a cotton swab on a regular basis.

It’s also not a good idea to share earbuds, especially with someone who already has an ear infection. Sharing earbuds exposes the other person to new germs that may be causing the ear infection and increase their chance of getting an ear infection as well. If you really need to use a pair of earbuds with another person, try using headphones that don’t go into the ears.

Many people who suffer from ear infections assume that they’re allergic to the material their earbuds are made out of. But that’s very unlikely, says Elias Michaelides, MD, an otolaryngologist at Rush University Medical Center. “I don’t rule it out, but I think it’s rare.”

If you are someone who uses earbuds to listen to music and talk on the phone, be sure to wear them only for short periods of time and take frequent breaks. This will prevent your ear canal from becoming dry and irritated, which can lead to an ear infection. Also, be sure to listen to your earbuds on a volume that is comfortable and doesn’t cause any hearing loss. You should also avoid putting in earbuds that are too small or tight into your ears because they can block the eardrum and cause an ear infection as well.