With AirPods and other in-ear headphones becoming one of the most popular methods of enjoying audio, some users experience a seldom talked about but common issue: the buildup of earwax. This is a problem because it can impact sound quality, but it also may create discomfort and potential ear infections when not managed appropriately.
Being aware of the factors that cause earwax buildup in AirPods is important for both ear health and keeping your device in good shape for as long as possible.
Environmental Influences on Earwax Buildup
One of the factors that impact the buildup of earwax in AirPods is all the different environmental conditions that users are exposed to daily. As an example, areas with high humidity often create increased earwax production. The body tries to protect the ear from the penetration of moisture, and this is one of the ways that happens. On the opposite side of things, dry locations might create smaller and harder earwax. This can more easily get stuck in the small crevices of AirPods.
Beyond that, temperature fluctuations across the course of a day can make earwax have various consistencies. For example, when you’re working out, the body gets hotter, and the produced earwax may be softer and more pliable. This makes it more likely to end up in the AirPods. Conversely, when it’s cooler, earwax gets harder and might stick to the outside of the earbuds. These small changes are important for users to be aware of as they change locations.
How AirPod Design Factors In
The actual design of AirPods as a device can also influence earwax buildup. Unlike over-the-ear traditional headphones, AirPods sit in the actual ear canal. That means they can trap any wax that is already there while stimulating the glands that make more of it. Certain components, such as the mesh that covers the speaker, can get very clogged with extended use.
To investigate this issue and how it might impact the usage of AirPods, we experimented with different types of earbud covers to see if they offer any protection from wax buildup. Silicone covers seemed to reduce direct contact between the AirPods and the ear, which cut down on wax transfer. On the other hand, fabric covers were more likely to absorb the wax and needed to be cleaned more often. This trial shows the importance of selecting the right accessories for AirPods, both for comfort and for maintenance and cleanliness purposes.
Earwax Buildup and Behavioral Patterns
Another thing that most people don’t realize is how their own behavior might impact the way earwax builds up in their AirPods. For example, someone who keeps their AirPods in all day without any breaks will likely have more buildup than someone who uses them only occasionally. The natural movement of the jaw, such as when chewing or talking, can make earwax move deeper into the ear canal, which makes it easier to transfer to the AirPods.
From personal observations, taking regular breaks and removing your AirPods once in a while is a good way to decrease how much wax is transferred to them. In addition, those who have good ear hygiene, such as using earwax removal kids or consulting with a healthcare professional for professional cleaning are less likely to have issues with their AirPods. Using a tool to clean your AirPods is also an excellent habit to get into.
Genetic Factors Related to Earwax Buildup
Genetic factors can also have an impact on how much earwax builds up on AirPods. For instance, most people have either wet or dry earwax. The type you have will influence how much it might accumulate in devices that sit inside your ear.
Wet earwax tends to be more malleable and stickier, which means it sticks to AirPods more easily. This type of earwax is most common in those of European and African descent. Dry earwax is found in Native American and East Asian populations and may accumulate less but be more challenging to remove since it can get inside the parts of the earbuds.
To learn more about the impact of these differences, we had an informal study on online forums where users shared their experiences using headphones. The evidence shows that those with wet earwax are likely to need to clean their AirPods on a more frequent basis than those with dry earwax. However, the latter group had issues with compacted wax.
Final Thoughts
Understanding and mitigating earwax buildup in AirPods might be more complicated than the average person expects. It requires an understanding of environmental factors, the implications of device design, and personal usage habits. By employing better ear care practices and choosing appropriate accessories, you can enhance your listening experience and make sure your AirPods last longer.
