Headphones become 'bacterial nests' if not cleaned for a long time

Wearing dirty headphones for extended periods increases the risk of infection, acne, and hearing loss.

Many people wear headphones every day but rarely clean them. According to statistics from Senior Living , headphones contain 119,186 CFU (colony-forming units). This is 2,700 times more bacteria than a cutting board and 330 times more than a kitchen countertop.

In 2008, Manipal University (India) conducted a study on bacterial growth associated with headphone use on 50 men aged 18-25, divided into two groups. The results showed that frequent headphone use increased the number of bacteria in the ear, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus.

According to Dr. Tran Thi Thuy Hang, Head of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, some people also have the habit of leaving their earphones in places like handbags, trouser pockets, or on work desks. These environments harbor many bacteria, which quickly cling to the earphones, affecting ear health and hearing quality. Below are the risks of using dirty earphones.

Preventing earwax from being expelled: The ear has the ability to clean itself and expel waste. Wearing headphones continuously without cleaning them contributes to increased dirt buildup, pushing earwax deeper and leading to blockages.

Headphones harbor a lot of bacteria, so they need to be cleaned at least once a day or before each use. (Image: Freepik) — Headphones harbor a lot of bacteria, so they need to be cleaned at least once a day or before each use. (Image: *Freepik)*

Acne: Headphones that haven't been cleaned regularly can easily accumulate a large amount of sweat and moisture. This causes clogged pores and acne around the ear canal.

Ear infections: Wearing dirty in-ear headphones creates opportunities for earwax and bacteria to move around, increasing the risk of bacterial or fungal ear infections.

Furthermore, in-ear headphones can easily cause small tears in the delicate skin of the ear canal, increasing humidity and temperature within the ear canal. This leads to an increased risk of middle ear infections and outer ear infections.

Hearing loss: If this device is not cleaned regularly, earwax and dirt can block the speaker, forcing the listener to turn up the volume. Over time, this increases other frequencies to higher levels, damaging the ear and leading to hearing loss.

Allergies: Long-term use of headphones also creates an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive. Prolonged use can lead to bacterial or fungal infections and cause allergic reactions with symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling.

Dr. Hang recommends cleaning your earphones daily or before each use by dabbing a small amount of alcohol onto a tissue or soft cloth and gently wiping them. Avoid using wet wipes or chemical detergents.

When there is excessive earwax and dirt buildup in the earphones, avoid using sharp objects like tweezers or nail files to clean them; instead, use a soft brush or cotton swab. Avoid applying excessive force as this can damage the earpiece and reduce sound quality.

If you wear headphones while playing sports , you should clean them after each use. This helps prevent sweat and dirt from accumulating, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria.

To protect your hearing, avoid turning up the volume on your headphones too high and limit all-day use. Absolutely do not wear headphones while sleeping, as it's easy to fall asleep with them on, causing prolonged ear blockage.

Huyen My

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