Keeping Your Ears and Earbuds Clean: A Guide to Healthy Hearing
Your ears are self-cleaning organs, but it’s still essential to keep them and your earbuds, headphones, and hearing aids clean to prevent the introduction of dirt and harmful bacteria. According to Lachelle Lazarus, AuD, Audiologist at the University of Maryland Medical Center, regularly inserting earbuds into your ears doesn’t pose an inherent risk, but keeping them clean is crucial, especially if you use them daily.
As Lazarus notes, “We do advise patients to keep earbuds [and] hearing aids clean to prevent any bacterial growth on the device that they would be re-inserting in their ear. Extensive use throughout the day does not pose a significant health risk, but we would recommend wiping the earbuds daily.” This is particularly important for in-canal earbuds that go inside your ear canal, as they can create warm, moist conditions that encourage harmful bacteria growth and lead to irritation.
The Importance of Cleaning Earbuds and Headphones
Reinserting old wax can clog the ear, trapping moisture and causing issues. Unlike earbuds, over-ear headphones do not contact the inside of your ear, but they can still accumulate shampoo, sunscreen, sweat, and natural skin oils that can irritate the skin around your ears. Therefore, it’s recommended that you clean them from time to time. J. Ryan Smolarz, MD, MBA, Otolaryngology Specialist, notes that some headphones and earbuds are made from materials that can irritate your ears and the skin around them.
Furthermore, your earbuds and headphones constantly touch your bags, pockets, dirty hands, and other surfaces that expose them to germs. As important as it is to clean your earbuds and your ears from debris, it’s also important to give your ears a break. By taking these simple steps, you can help keep your ears and earbuds clean and reduce the risk of irritation and infection.
Tips for Keeping Your Ears and Earbuds Clean
To keep your ears and earbuds clean, start by wiping your earbuds daily with a soft cloth. You can also use a gentle soap and water solution to clean your earbuds, but be sure to dry them thoroughly to prevent moisture buildup. For over-ear headphones, use a soft brush or cloth to remove any debris or dirt that may have accumulated on the ear pads.
Additionally, make sure to wash your hands before handling your earbuds or headphones, and avoid touching your ears or face during use. By following these simple tips, you can help keep your ears and earbuds clean and healthy. Remember, it’s all about maintaining good hygiene practices to prevent the introduction of dirt and harmful bacteria into your ears.
