Earbuds and Ear Infection: The Link

Introduction:

A few people might experience a random ear infection and a painful suction-like sensation that makes one remove the earbuds instantaneously. The good news is that hacks are available to cope with this issue, and one can continue to enjoy their companion with earbuds. Earbuds are not dangerous inventions, but how to use and maintain them is all that matters. Overuse can result in ear canal irritation and ear infections. The earbuds convert electrical energy from the listening device and transmit the signals to the ear through vibrations carried through the ear canal to the eardrum.

What Are Earbuds?

Earbuds are nothing but small headphones that are worn inside the ear for audio entertainment and communication. It helps to eliminate background sounds so that one can listen to audio content without being disturbed by the surrounding noises.

How Do Earbuds Cause Ear Infection?

Earbuds can get populated with bacteria, fungus, dirt, and skin irritants that can pose a risk of developing an ear infection. This does not mean that all dirty earbuds lead to an ear infection. Earwax inside the ear is a normal secretion that offers protection from dirt, bacteria, and fungi that enter the ears. The reasons why earbud users pick up ear infections are as follows:

• Damage to the Ear Canal or Eardrum: Damage in the ear, such as a scratch or irritation in the skin of the ear canal, can pave the way for the microorganisms to gain entry into the body, causing an infection. An outer ear canal infection that extends from the eardrum to the outside of the head is called a swimmer’s ear. The use of dirty earbuds can cause otitis externa (a painful infection of the ear canal), also called swimmer’s ear. Listening to too loud music can make one susceptible to developing a middle ear infection.

• Warmth and Moisture: Bacteria and fungi thrive in warm and moist conditions, which make the ears their favorite place to dwell. Wearing earbuds enhances the comfort of these microorganisms.

• Impacted Earwax: Though earwax offers protection, prolonged use of earbuds can push the earwax into the ears, causing a buildup of earwax. Impacted earwax can entrap bacteria, fungi, and dirt, increasing the chance of developing ear infections.

Does Sharing Earbuds Cause Ear Infections?

It is common for people to share their earbuds with friends and family members. Some people wonder if sharing earbuds can cause ear infections. The answer is yes! Sharing earbuds do make one liable to acquire an ear infection in the following ways:

• The skin of the ear canal comprises harmless bacteria and earwax. Prolonged use of earbuds makes the skin in the ear canal moist and increases the chance of infection. If the earbuds are kept on various surfaces by any of the friends or family members, the dirt and microorganisms from these surfaces can be carried to another ear when shared.

• The harmless bacteria differs with everybody’s skin and is unique. Sharing the earbuds increases the chance of transporting these bacteria from one ear canal to another.

• Many people suffer from certain ear conditions that can cause ear discharge, like otitis externa (infection of the outer ear canal), middle ear infection, and fungal infection. If the person is not aware of them having such infections, the same can get transferred to their friend or family member upon sharing their earbuds. One way to avoid acquiring such an infection is by using a disposable earbud cover to decrease the spread of bacteria.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of an Ear Infection?

The signs and symptoms are as follows:

• Ear pain.

• Itching.

• Ear discharge.

• Loss of hearing.

• Clogged feeling in the ear.

• Stabbing pain from the inside of the ear.

• Nausea in some cases.

• Fever (above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit).

Can Too Much Noise Cause Hearing Loss?

The three parts of the ear, namely the outer, middle, and inner ear, work hand in hand to process the external sounds and transmit the signals. The cochlea, which is present in the inner ear, has tiny hair cells that transmit sound messages to the brain. Loud noise can cause damage to these hair cells. Consequently, the cochlea is unable to relay sound messages to the brain. Unlike other parts of the body, damage to the inner ear is irreversible, and with time, if more hair cells get damaged, the hearing can get worse.

What Are the Signs of Hearing Issues?

The signs of hearing issues are:

• Muffling of sounds.

• Ringing, roaring, or buzzing in the ears after hearing a loud noise.

When the above signs are noticed, one must consult an otolaryngologist (a doctor who is specialized in diagnosing and treating diseases of the ear, nose, and throat).

How to Use the Earbuds in the Right Way?

Noise-induced hearing loss due to the use of earbuds is completely preventable if not used for a prolonged period or if the volume is not beyond the permissible limit. The right way to use earbuds is to follow the 60 % - 60 minute rule:

• The maximum volume should not be more than 60 % while listening to music or playing a video game or a movie.

• The permissible time to use earbuds should not exceed 60 minutes.

Another way to check whether the set volume is too high is to ask the people nearby if they can hear the volume. If the answer is yes, the volume should be adjusted to a level that is not audible to the person sitting nearby. Too high a volume can mask the external sound, which could result in accidents, especially while walking or driving.

Why Do Ears Hurt With Earbuds?

Most of the earbuds have pressure relief vents that minimize the suction sensation when a good seal is obtained with the earbuds. This facilitates the removal of earbuds without causing trauma to the inner ears. But, when in a hurry, one can remove the earbuds very quickly and with an increased force which can cause temporary damage to the inner ears resulting in inflammation, swelling, and discomfort.

How to Treat an Ear Infection Resulting From the Use of Earbuds?

Patients with ear infections following the use of earbuds are advised not to use earbuds for a few weeks until the infection heals. An antibiotic or steroid ear drops may be required upon consulting an otolaryngologist (a doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating diseases of the ear, nose, and throat). The infection can be painful and can take about 3 to 7 days to heal.

How to Prevent an Ear Infection From the Use of Earbuds?

The following are a few simple ways to prevent an ear infection from developing as a result of using earbuds:

• Say ‘No’ to Earbuds: This does not mean saying a permanent goodbye to earbuds. Earbuds should be avoided in case of active infection, and it is better not to use them until the infection heals completely.

• Clean Earbuds: It is recommended to clean the earbuds at least once a week with an alcohol wipe. It should be used again only after it is completely dry. Some distributors of earbuds sell special products to clean the earbuds. A neat screen cloth used to clean a phone or computer screen can also be used to clean the earbuds. Even a cotton swab can be used. A toothpick can be used to remove the dirt on the outside of the earbuds. It is important to clean the earbuds, especially after engaging in any activity that makes one sweat, like walking, jogging, or hiking with earbuds. Earbuds can entrap more moisture and fluid, especially while exercising or doing other sweaty activities.

• Go For External Headphones: Since headphones sit outside the ear, there are few chances of developing ear infections since ear wax does not get pushed into the ear canal, unlike earbuds.

• Clean Ears: Proper ear hygiene should be followed. A cotton swab should never be used to clean the ears as these can injure the ear canal or push the wax deep inside. Wax on the outer edge of the ear can be cleaned by using a clean cloth over the tip of the finger and gently wiping it. An earwax that is lodged deeply should be removed with the help of a physician.

• Store It Safe: Keeping the earbuds inside a case when not in use provides double the benefits of keeping the earbuds in a clean place as well as ensures long-lasting earbuds with better sound quality.

• Select the Right Earbuds: Too big earbuds can put pressure on the ears, and too small earbuds can be loose. Improper fit can cause ear irritation. Hence selecting earbuds that fit properly is important.

• Give the Ears a Break: Removing the earbuds from time to time minimizes the risk of developing infections and irritation, helps air circulate in the ears, and reduces friction. At least a gap of 5-10 minutes after every hour of earbuds use is recommended.

• Do Not Ignore Ear Irritation: Some people mistake ear irritation for an allergic reaction caused by the materials used to manufacture earbuds. Even after following the above measures, if ear irritation persists, one can consult an otolaryngologist to check if the irritation is due to an allergic reaction.

Conclusion:

One need not worry about ceasing the use of earbuds due to ear infections. After all, ear canals were not designed to accommodate earbuds all day long. But when used correctly and if the earbuds are cleaned regularly, one can continue to enjoy music and other audio content. If one experiences hearing loss or signs of an ear infection like itching, redness, irritation, pain, ear discharge, change in hearing sounds, or fever, one must consult an otolaryngologist immediately.