Earbuds and Ear Infection

earbuds ear infection

Earbuds are a great way to enjoy your favorite music, podcast or audiobook while you’re on the go. But if you wear them too long, they can cause ear infections, itching and irritation in your ears. Banner Health offers tips on how to use earbuds safely, including taking breaks and keeping them clean.

A dirty pair of earbuds is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. They’re exposed to the skin inside your ear canal all day and often get dropped on surfaces or in charging cases. This introduces dirt and harmless bacteria, which can then enter the ear and promote an infection. Earbuds can also become damp if left in the ears for extended periods of time, which makes them the perfect environment for bacteria growth.

If you wear earbuds for long periods of time, it’s a good idea to change them out at least once a week. This will help the ear canal and eardrum rest. In addition, it’s a good idea to wipe the earbuds down with an alcohol-based wipe daily, and to store them in a case when they’re not being used. Using a case will keep the earbuds dry and reduce the risk of infection.

The ear canal produces ear wax for protection and lubrication, but when earbuds are worn, they can block this process and cause earwax to build up in the ear. This creates a moist, dark environment that can promote the growth of bacteria and lead to ear infections.

When earbuds are worn too long, they can put pressure on the outer part of the ear canal, called the pinna. This can create a scrape on the ear canal that is a perfect home for bacteria to grow.

You can avoid this by wearing earbuds loosely, or by changing to headphones that sit over the ears instead of in them. It’s also a good idea to take regular breaks while listening to your earbuds, and to try different pairs until you find ones that fit comfortably.

A common symptom of an ear infection caused by earbuds is itching or soreness in the ear canal. If this happens, you should stop listening to the earbuds and see your doctor for an evaluation.

Ear infections caused by earbuds are most likely to affect people in their 20s and 30s, because they’re more likely to wear them for long stretches of time. However, anyone who wears them frequently is at risk, especially if they live or work in a humid environment where moisture may accumulate.

The simplest way to prevent earbud-related ear infections is to keep the earbuds clean, and to use them sparingly. You can buy a special earbud cleaning product, or you can simply use a screen cloth or cotton swab to wipe them down. In addition, you should not share your earbuds, as they can carry dangerous bacteria from person to person. It’s also a good idea not to wear them during activities such as exercising or sports where sweat might gather in the ears.