You’ve probably used Headphones to listen to music, podcasts, or the radio while you exercise. But did you know that they can cause ear infections? It’s not as unlikely as it seems.

It turns out that these gadgets are a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and other fungi. The simple act of wearing them can collect sweat, dirt, and other nasty substances – which could then be transferred to your ears and lead to an infection.

For this reason, it is important to keep them clean by wiping them down with a cloth after every use.

Can Headphones Cause Ear Infections?

Yes, headphones can cause ear infections because they collect sweat and other contaminants during use, and not cleaning them properly after each use can lead to these harmful bacteria making their way into your ears and cause an ear infection.

Earbuds can also cause ear infections for the same reason as headphones do, but they can also cause little scrapes on the inner lining of the ear canal which can cause bacteria to grow.

Can Sharing Headphones or Earbuds Cause Ear Infections?

Yes, sharing headphones or earbuds can cause ear infections because you might not realize that someone else has an ear infection before you let them borrow yours. If they are sick, you could easily catch their ear infection by using their headphones or earbuds.

You should never share your headphones or earbuds with someone, especially if they are sick or showing signs of an ear infection.

How to reduce your risk of ear infection from wearing headphones

We’re all probably guilty of wearing headphones too often, and we know it’s not always the healthiest decision. But ear infections are no joke, and they can really put a damper on your daily routine.

So, let’s talk about how to reduce your risk of getting an ear infection when you wear headphones.

1.) Clean your headphones after every use

You can reduce your risk of ear infection by keeping your headphones clean. You should use a general disinfectant spray cleanser on them after every use. You can also wipe them down with a damp cloth and then let them dry before storing them away.

2.) Do not share your headphones

Do not share your headphones or earbuds and do not allow anyone else to use yours if they are sick or have an ear infection or if you notice any redness, irritation, swelling, pus, or drainage from the ear.

3.) Store them in a clean case

If you keep your headphones in your gym bag or backpack, you should put them into a clean case after each use. You could also keep them in the original box they came in.

4.) Keep them out of your ears while not using them

Keeping your headphones out of your ears when you are not listening to music can help reduce the amount of dirt and sweat that makes its way onto the headphones and then into your ears. This will reduce the risk of ear infections as well.

5.) Avoid using excessive force to put your headphones in or take them out

Do not use excessive force to put your headphones into your ears or take them out. Especially earbuds. Most of the time, if you use excessive force, you could damage the inner lining of your ear which can cause an ear infection.

How to clean your headphones

Headphones are more difficult to clean than earbuds because they are a little larger and have multiple delicate parts, but if you can get them clean, they’ll be the best headphones you ever had and you will be less at risk of an ear infection.

What you will need:

– A cloth
– Rubbing alcohol
– Cotton buds
– Soap
– Water

1.) Remove the ear pads

First, you need to remove the ear pads from your headphones. This should be relatively easy with most headphones that have removable ear pads. The ear cup should simply slide off of the headphone and the pad should pop out of its slot.

2.) Wipe the ear pads off

Wipe the exterior of the ear pads down with a small cloth dampened with some soap water. Be sure to get all sides and don’t forget the internal ridge that provides durability to the pad. Wipe dry with some paper towels and leave them to air dry completely.

3.) Wipe the exterior of the ear pads off

Take a cloth and dampen it with rubbing alcohol gently wipe down the exterior of the ear pads. Then soak a cotton bud in rubbing alcohol and use it to clean the difficult-to-reach areas of the ear pads.

4.) Dab the foam mesh with rubbing alcohol

Dab just a small amount on the foam mesh that covers the internals of the headphones. This will prevent your headphones from smelling or build up a moldy smell.

5.) Put ear pads back on the headphones

After the ear pads have dried, it is time to put them back on to the headphones. Applying a little pressure, push the ear pad back into its slot. Apply some pressure to make sure that it has been inserted correctly.

If cared for properly, your headphones should last for a very long time without you having to worry about an ear infection.

Conclusion

Headphones are a fantastic invention that allows us to listen to music with our favorite tunes and relax at the same time. But without proper care, your headphones may cause ear infections.

To prevent this from happening to you, you need to care for your headphones properly. You should always wipe off the exterior of the ear pad with a cloth and some soap water to remove any grime that has gathered on it. It is recommended that you do this after each use.