As an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeon, I am often asked about the potential risks and harms of wearing earphones or headphones. In today’s fast-paced world, these devices have become ubiquitous, with many people using them for extended periods to listen to music, watch videos, or make phone calls. But do earphones really pose a risk to our ear health? Let’s take a closer look at this question and debunk some common myths.

Myth #1: Wearing Earphones Causes Hearing Loss

One of the most prevalent myths surrounding earphones is that they can cause hearing loss. While it is true that listening to music or other audio at high volumes for prolonged periods can damage our hearing, it’s not the earphones themselves that are to blame, but rather the volume and duration of exposure. The key factor here is the decibel level and duration of the sound, regardless of whether it’s coming from earphones, speakers, or any other source. Therefore, it’s essential to practice responsible listening habits and avoid listening to music or other audio at excessively high volumes for long periods, regardless of the device used.

Myth #2: Wearing Earphones Leads to Ear Infections

Another common myth is that wearing earphones can lead to ear infections. The truth is that earphones themselves do not cause ear infections. However, they can contribute to the development of ear infections indirectly. When we wear earphones for extended periods, they can create a warm and moist environment in the ear canal, which can promote the growth of bacteria or fungi. Additionally, inserting earphones into the ear canal can introduce bacteria from the skin or the earphones themselves, increasing the risk of infection. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep the earphones clean, take breaks, and practice good hygiene by avoiding sharing earphones with others and keeping the ear canal dry and clean.

Myth #3: Wearing Earphones Causes Ear Wax Buildup

There is a misconception that wearing earphones can cause an excessive buildup of ear wax. However, there is no direct causal relationship between wearing earphones and ear wax production. Ear wax is a natural substance produced by the glands in the ear canal and is a necessary part of our ear’s defense mechanism. However, wearing earphones for extended periods can cause the ear wax to be pushed deeper into the ear canal, potentially leading to impaction. Therefore, it’s important to use earphones responsibly, take breaks, and avoid inserting them too deeply into the ear canal.

Best Practice: Safe Listening Habits

As an ENT surgeon, I recommend the following safe listening habits when using earphones or headphones:

1. Limit the volume: Keep the volume at a reasonable level and avoid listening at maximum volume for extended periods. A general rule of thumb is to follow the “60/60” rule: listen at no more than 60% of the maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time.
2. Take breaks: Give your ears regular breaks by taking short listening breaks every hour to allow your ears to rest and recover.
3. Keep it clean: Clean your earphones regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria or fungi. Use alcohol wipes or mild soap and water to clean the earphones and avoid inserting them into the ear canal when they are wet.
4. Avoid sharing earphones: Sharing earphones can introduce bacteria from one person’s ears to another, increasing the risk of infections. Avoid sharing your earphones with others, and clean them before each use if you do.
5. Practice good hygiene: Keep your ears clean and dry, and avoid inserting earphones too deeply into the ear.