Ever feel sore ears after jamming to your favorite tunes for hours? You’re not alone! Ear infections are a common risk for young adults who use AirPods and other earbuds for extended periods. This can lead to pain and discomfort. 

But there’s good news! We can prevent these infections with some simple habits. In the article below, we’ll understand how earbuds can be a cause of ear infections and then explore some solutions to keep your ears happy and healthy while you enjoy your favorite audio. 

Let’s get started!

Can AirPods Cause Ear Infections?

While AirPods and other similar devices have transformed the way we listen to music, they have also increased the risk of ear infections when used over extended periods. So how can AirPods cause ear infections? Well, devices with earbuds create a warm, moist environment in your ear canal by trapping moisture and earwax. 

This makes the inside of your ear a breeding ground for bacteria that end up causing the infection mentioned earlier. The symptoms of these infections can vary; however, the common symptoms are as follows: 

• Ear pain. 
• Itching.
• Temporary hearing loss. 

This type of infection is referred to as a swimmer’s ear, but it can occur from anything that traps moisture in the ear canal, not just swimming. Apart from swimmer’s ear, another infection that can occur in the middle ear is called otitis media. It is caused by moisture or fluids trapped behind the eardrum. Luckily, there are ways to use earbud devices safely and keep your ears healthy. We’ll explore these down below.

How do I know if I’ve got an Ear Infection?

Well, the first sign is discomfort in the ear, ranging from mild to throbbing pain in severe cases. It can also get itchy and feel clogged up. You might even see some fluid coming out or have trouble hearing. 

In some cases, people have also complained of having sharp, stabbing pain. If it gets too bad, you might even end up having a fever and nausea. The worst part? These infections can stick around for several weeks if left untreated. The ideal ear canal temperature is around 99.5° F (37.5° C). Prolonged earbuds usage can disrupt this balance and contribute to discomfort and infection.

Treatment of Ear Infections from Earbuds

Ear infections occur when AirPods trap moisture inside the ear, making it easy for bacteria to produce. But the good news is, they are treatable! Consulting a doctor is always the best course of action to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. 

They will prescribe various options depending on the specific infection. Common treatments include antibiotic drops applied directly to the ear canal, anti-fungal drops, and even topical steroids to reduce irritation and inflammation. All these options ensure your ear health is top-notch in case of an infection. 

Preventive Measures

Having an infection and treating it is one thing, but can we stop the AirPods and other similar products from causing these infections in the first place? Well, the answer is yes, and there are several types of preventive measures. 

These range from cleaning our devices using specific chemicals to reducing the prolonged use of earbuds. If we’re still at risk of getting infected, we can look for alternative apple products. Read on for a detailed account of preventive measures down below:

How to Clean Earbuds?

In today’s digital world, staying away from AirPods completely may not be possible. So in case you have to use them at all costs, try cleaning them regularly. Here is how to do it:

Weekly Wipe Down: One of the most effective ways to clean earbuds is to use an alcohol wipe. It removes all existing bacteria on the device and ensures germs stay away from the device at least for a few days. 

Wax Removal: Often, some particles of ear wax end up on the earbuds. Regularly check your device for ear wax and remove it on sight.

Ditch the Cotton Swabs: Using cotton swabs for ear cleaning is actually counterproductive. It pushes the ear wax further deep instead of removing it. This can create a blockage, increasing the risk of infection. The cotton swabs can also irritate the ear canal.

Use AirPods Cleaners: You can find products like Hybuds Pen that are specifically designed to clean AirPods. These cleaners effectively eliminate ear wax residue, stubborn ear wax gunk, unsightly smudges, fingerprints, and dust. 

Reducing Usage

The more you use earbuds, the more likely it is for bacteria and other germs to do their job, ultimately leading to some form of ear infection. Hence, reducing ear time usage is an effective preventive measure. 

Set a limit that suits you best; as far as experts are concerned, they ask for a break after every 60 minutes of use. Others are of the view that airpods and earbuds should not be used more than 2 hours within a day.

Exploring Alternatives

AirPods and earbuds are a symbol of aesthetics as much as digital advancement. The desire to keep up with society's standards also pushes us to invest in products that may end up harming us when overused. 

Normal headphones are still effective, although they may not be the most fashionable choice. Hence, the last preventive measure would be to wear alternative products that do not pose the threat of ear damage. That way you can hear properly and listen to music. 

Final Thoughts

Prolonged use of AirPods and earbuds poses a risk of ear infection leading to irritation, pain, and, in severe cases, hearing loss. Although treating an ear infection is commonplace, we must do what we can to avoid such a circumstance. Cleaning our devices, refraining from overusing them, and searching for alternatives are some measures we can take to lower the risk of an ear infection.