True or False: Can Earphones Cause Ear Infection?

Yes, it’s true. Earphones can cause ear infections if not used and maintained correctly. Different symptoms could be present if you have an ear infection from using a headset.
Today’s article will help you to discover how earbuds can cause ear infections, and some tips for avoiding them have been prepared.
Ready for techniques to deal with the issue?

How do Earphones Cause Ear Infections?

There are 6 reasons why headsets could contribute to ear infections. You can check whether you have noticed potential issues when using headphones.

Wearing earbuds a lot can cause impacted earwax

Even clean earplugs can cause clogged earwax. Earwax naturally cleans your ears as it moves from the inside out. But if you spend a lot of time wearing earplugs, earwax can’t drain out of your ears naturally and instead gets trapped inside. It can cause temporary hearing loss, ear pain, and infection.

Listening to music too loud causes impairment and hearing loss

If you regularly play music through earbuds or headphones throughout the day, you may be at risk of noise-induced hearing loss, one of the few hearing impairments.
A lifelong habit of doing so could damage your stereocilia. These tiny hairs are necessary to hear high-frequency sounds, so damaging them makes hearing more difficult as you age. While hearing loss is normal as we age, keeping the volume high can speed up the process.

Ear canal blockage

In-ear headphones fit snugly in the ear canal, which can cause a buildup of wax and moisture. This can create a warm and damp environment, ideal for growing bacteria and fungi, leading to ear infections.

Sharing earphones

Sharing with others can transfer bacteria and germs from one person’s ears to another, increasing the risk of infection.

Dirty earphones

If you don’t clean your headsets regularly, they can accumulate dirt, earwax, and other debris, which can then be transferred to your ears, potentially causing an infection.

Prolonged use

Using earbuds for extended periods can cause irritation and soreness in the ear canal, making it more susceptible to infection.

Signs of an Ear Infection

1. Ear pain

Pain in one or both ears is a common symptom of an ear infection. It can develop from mild discomfort to severe, sharp pain.

2. Itching or irritation

You may feel itching or irritation in the ear canal, especially if there is a buildup of moisture or debris.

3. Redness and swelling

The skin in and around the ear may appear red and swollen.

4. Discharge

There may be a discharge of fluid from the ear. The liquid can be clear, yellow, or even contain blood or pus, depending on the severity of the infection.

5. Reduced hearing

An ear infection can lead to temporary hearing loss or muffled hearing in the affected ear.

6. Ear fullness or pressure

You might experience a sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear, similar to the feeling of having clogged ears.

7. Fever

In some cases, especially if the infection is severe, you may develop a fever.

How to Avoid Ear Infection?

1. Keep your headset clean
   Clean your headset regularly with a soft dry cloth or alcohol wipe. Avoid using the headset if it is visibly dirty.
2. Avoid sharing headphones
   Sharing earbuds with others can spread bacteria and germs and increase the risk of infection. Stick to your own ones.
3. Limit listening time
   Reduce the amount of time you use your earbuds continuously to allow your ears to rest and prevent irritation.
4. Use the right headphones
   Make sure they fit comfortably and don’t put too much pressure on the ear canal. Avoid forcing them in or using headsets that are too loose.
5. Take breaks
   During long listening sessions, take occasional breaks to give your ears time to rest and avoid excessive moisture buildup.
6. Keep your ears dry
   Avoid using headsets immediately after swimming or showering when your ears are still wet. Dry your ears thoroughly before using.
7. Ear hygiene
   Keep your ears clean by gently wiping the outer ear with a soft cloth. Avoid using objects such as cotton swabs into the ear canal.
8. Choose over-ear headphones
   Choose over-ear headphones over in-ear headphones. They are less likely to cause blockage and irritation in the ear canal.
9. Lower the volume
   Listening to music or audio at too high a volume can cause irritation and damage to the ear canals. Keep the volume at a reasonable level.
10. Store them in a clean and dry place when not in use to prevent dust and dirt accumulation.

How to Clean Earphones Rightly?

In this section, I will share with you the methods to clean 3 most common earphones step by step. Be careful of all important details!

Over-Ear/On-Ear Earphones

● Step 1. Remove Earpads. If your headphones have removable earpads, gently detach them. Refer to the user manual if you need help with removing them. 
● Step 2. Clean Earpads. Dip the ear pads in the water and gently wash them using your fingers. Avoid submerging the rest of the earphones. 
● Step 3. Rinse and Dry. Rinse the ear pads under running water to remove soap residue. Ensure them dry with a soft towel and let them air dry completely before reattaching them. 
● Step 4. Cleaning Earcup Exteriors. Dampen a soft microfiber cloth with water and mild soap. Gently wipe the earcup exteriors, removing any dirt or grime. 
● Step 5. Cleaning Earcup Grilles. Use a soft brush or compressed air canister to remove dust and debris from the earcup grilles. Be gentle to avoid damage. 
● Step 6. Cleaning Headband. If your earphones have a headband, clean it with a damp cloth. Dry it thoroughly afterward. 
● Step 7. Cable Cleaning. Use a dry toothbrush to remove dust and debris from the cable gently. Be careful not to apply excessive pressure. 

In-Ear Earphones (Detachable Silicone Tips)

● Step 1. Remove Ear Tips. If your in-ear ones have detachable silicone tips, gently remove them from the earbud nozzles. 
● Step 2. Clean Ear Tips. Wash the ear tips with warm, soapy water and rinse them thoroughly. Ensure them dry with a soft towel and allow them to air dry completely. 
● Step 3. Cleaning the Nozzles. Use a soft brush or compressed air canister to clean the nozzles. Be cautious not to push debris further into the earbuds. 
● Step 4. Cleaning the Bodies. Dampen a soft microfiber cloth with water and a mild cleaning solution. Gently wipe the bodies, removing any dirt or grime. Dry them with a separate dry microfiber cloth. 

True Wireless Earphones?

● Step 1. Clean the Bodies. Dampen a soft microfiber cloth with water, mild soap, or a cleaning solution specifically designed for electronics. Wipe the bodies, removing any dirt or grime. Dry the earphones with a separate dry microfiber cloth. 
● Step 2. Cleaning Ear Tips (if detachable). If your true wireless earphones have detachable ear tips, clean them following the instructions for detachable silicone tips. 
● Step 3. Cleaning Charging Contacts. Use a soft brush or cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol (70%) to clean the charging contacts. This helps maintain a stable charging connection. 

The Bottom Line

Following these guidelines can minimize the risk of ear infections caused by earphone use and promote better ear health. Remember that each person’s ears are unique, so paying attention to how your ears respond to earbud use and adjusting your habits accordingly is essential. If you develop ear-related issues, consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.