Not a fan of germs? Do you have trouble hearing? Your ears might be aching, and your earbud headphones could be the cause.
Why do earbuds contain thousands of bacteria?
It has been claimed that using headphones for more than an hour boosts the bacteria levels in your ears by 700 times. This shocking number came from a 1992 research in which specialists detected bacteria on 20 headsets. This much is apparent. When you wear earbud headphones, you block your ears from natural air, which promotes the growth of germs.
Dr. Arica Black, Audiologist and owner of The Hearing Doctor in Lubbock, explains that during the summer, there is a significant increase of otitis externa, also known as Swimmer’s Ear. Wearing earphones traps that heated, damp air, and the bacteria party ensues. Dr. Black recommends washing off your earphones with alcohol wipes and letting them dry regularly. The ideal procedure is to clean them before inserting them into your ears.

Methods for cleaning your earbuds safely:
- Unplug or disconnect your headphones or headset.
- Remove the ear pads, if they are detachable. If you are unable to remove the pads from your headphones. You may clean them while they’re still connected.
- If you see any dirt that is stuck on your headphones, wet a smooth cloth with a drop of safeguard soap. Gently massage it into any sticky then, rinse the cloth.
- Rubbing alcohol should be used to disinfect your earbuds. Wet the corner of a tiny lint-free cloth with a 70% rubbing alcohol solution. You can also use this Eskinol, as it has anti bacterial cleanser. Wipe the surface of your headphones or headset’s ear pads, cables, and headband, gently to kill any germs residing on the surface.
- Squeeze off the excess liquid using a cotton swab dipped in soapy water. Clean any little holes, vents, or tight edges of the headphones using the cotton swab. After that, use a cotton swab to clean the inside edges of the ear pads.
- Leave the headphones to air dry after wiping them with a cloth. Wipe up any excess liquid that remains on the surface with a dry cloth. Then, set your headphones out for around 30 minutes to properly dry before using them again.