Can Airpods cause Ear Infections?

Airpods and many other earbuds have come a long way in protecting our ears by reducing noise exposure or preventing sensory overload. But what about the impact of Airpods and earbuds themselves on your ear health? 

If you find yourself

• Wearing hearing aids 
• Working in loud environments like construction or music, requiring the use of earplugs 
• Connecting online for meetings or on calls most of the day using earpods or Airpods
• Simply enjoying your favourite music or podcast with headphones

Read on to learn about the impact these small devices have on your ear health, how Airpods and earbuds can cause ear infections, and what you can do to protect your ears.  

What is an Ear Infection? Types and Causes 

Ear infections are common, particularly among young people. However, there are different types of ear infections, each with different causes, symptoms, and treatment options. 

• Inner ear infections (otitis interna) are rare and occur mostly in adults. They involve the hearing apparatus (cochlea) and the balance organ (vestibule) and can result in dizziness and nerve-related hearing loss. 
• The middle ear infections (otitis media) is a common offender in children. It occurs when fluid cannot properly drain from behind the eardrum, allowing fluid and mucus to accumulate and creating the perfect environment for viruses and bacteria to grow.
• Outer ear infections occur when there is damage to the skin barrier in the parts of the outer ear (the auricle and external auditory canal). This type of infection is often referred to as swimmer’s ear and can affect all ages. It most commonly occurs after frequent water exposure due to a moist environment in the ear. 

Anything that can trap moisture in the ear for prolonged periods of time may increase the risk. Earbuds, over-the-ear headphones, and hearing aids alike can cause this type of ear infection. Additionally, allergies or skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis that may compromise the skin barrier can carry a greater risk of infection. 

Other causes of outer ear infections include: 

• Allergies that cause inflammation to the skin inside the ear
• Dermatitis that causes irritation to the skin inside or around the ear 
• Over-cleaning of the ears
• Mechanical trauma from pins, Q-tips, fingers, or other things that do not belong in the ear

How Can Airpods Cause Ear Infections?

AirPods can cause ear infections because of certain factors, particularly related to hygiene and usage habits. Here are a few ways on how can AirPods cause ear infections:

• Pushing the earwax inwards, causing a build-up of ear wax further into the canal and close to the eardrum, risking discomfort and infection. 
• Irritating the skin barrier in your ear canal. Friction with inserting and removing earbuds frequently, or the earbud itself not fitting properly may irritate and risk breaking down the skin barrier, your body’s first defence. 
• Bacteria Buildup: If AirPods are not cleaned regularly, bacteria, viruses, or fungi, can accumulate on the earbuds. When placed in the ear, these bacteria can enter the ear canal and cause infections.
• Moisture and Sweat: Wearing AirPods for extended periods can trap moisture and sweat inside the ear, creating a warm, humid environment that promotes bacterial growth, increasing the likelihood of infection.
• Dirty Hands: Touching the earbuds with unclean hands introduces germs that can transfer to the ear when the AirPods are inserted, heightening the risk of infection.
• Sharing Earbuds: Sharing AirPods with others can spread bacteria, which may lead to infections if the earbuds are not sanitized between uses.
• Prolonged Use: Continuous use of AirPods can irritate the ear canal and reduce airflow, making the ear more susceptible to infections over time.

Symptoms of Ear Infections Caused by Airpods

Recognizing the symptoms of ear infections caused by AirPods is crucial for early intervention. Outer ear infection symptoms to look out for may include: 

• Ear Pain: Discomfort or pain in the ear ranging from mild to severe, which may worsen when touching the area around the ear.
• Itching (Pruritus) Inside the Ear: Persistent itching in the ear canal can indicate irritation or an early stage of infection caused by bacteria buildup.
• Swelling or Redness: Visible swelling or redness around the ear canal might suggest inflammation from an infection, especially if it develops shortly after prolonged use of AirPods .  
• Discharge from the Ear: In some cases, an ear infection can lead to fluid or pus discharge from the ear, signaling that the infection has worsened.
• Muffled Hearing or Hearing Loss: A partial loss of hearing or a sensation of muffled sound in the affected ear can occur when an infection is present, often due to fluid buildup.

How to Prevent an Ear Infection From Earbuds 

Here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent getting an ear infection from AirPods: 

• Practice Good Hand Hygiene: Washing your hands soap and water thoroughly to prevent the spread of infections.
• Limit Prolonged Use: Take breaks from continuous use of AirPods whenever possible. This can help your ears stay dry and reduce irritation.
• Change the Type of Earphones: Use over-the-ear headphones from time to time.
• Clean Your AirPods Regularly: Keep your AirPods or other ear devices clean. Wipe down your AirPods with a soft, damp cloth to remove bacteria, dirt, and earwax buildup. This will prevent introducing a potential pathogen (bacteria, virus, or fungi) to your ear. 
• Store AirPods Properly: Keep your AirPods in their case when not in use to avoid exposure to dirt and dust, which can accumulate and be transferred to your ears.
• Be Gentle with Your Skin: Avoid causing any trauma to the skin from itching, scratching, or introducing anything foreign into your ears for any reason. 
• Dry your ears after water exposure. Towel dry your ears as best as you can, tilting your head in different directions or gently tugging on your ear with the ear facing downwards to allow any trapped water to drain out. If this fails, the CDC recommends using a blow dryer on the lowest heat and fan settings holding it several inches away from the ear to move air within the ear canal. 

Proper Maintenance and Cleaning of Airpods for Ear Health

Maintaining and cleaning your AirPods properly is essential for preventing bacteria buildup and ensuring good ear health. Here’s how to take care of your AirPods:

1. Clean the Exterior Regularly: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe down the outer surface of your AirPods. This helps remove dirt, oil, and bacteria that can transfer to your ears.
2. Disinfect the Ear Tips: For AirPods with silicone ear tips, gently remove them and clean with warm water and mild soap. Dry them thoroughly before reattaching. You can also use alcohol wipes to disinfect without damaging the material.
3. Clear Earwax from Speaker Grills: Use a dry, soft-bristle brush or a cotton swab to carefully remove any earwax or debris from the speaker grills. Avoid using sharp objects, which could damage the delicate components.
4. Don’t Submerge in Water: AirPods aren’t waterproof, so avoid submerging them in water or using harsh chemicals. Instead, lightly dampen a cloth with water or a small amount of isopropyl alcohol for cleaning.
5. Allow AirPods to Dry Completely: After cleaning, make sure your AirPods are completely dry before placing them back in the charging case. Moisture can cause internal damage and promote bacterial growth.
6. Regularly Clean the Charging Case: Dust and bacteria can accumulate inside the charging case. Use a dry cloth to wipe the interior and remove any debris around the charging contacts.

Alternative Earphone Options for Ear Infection Prevention

If you’re concerned about the risk of ear infections from AirPods, consider these alternative earphone options that prioritize ear health:

• Over-Ear Headphones: These headphones sit over the ears rather than inside the ear canal, reducing the likelihood of moisture buildup and bacteria accumulation. They also provide better sound quality and noise isolation.
• On-Ear Headphones: Similar to over-ear models, on-ear headphones rest on the outer ear without inserting into the ear canal. They are often more breathable and can be easier to clean.
• Earbuds with Silicone Tips: Look for earbuds that come with replaceable silicone tips, as they can be cleaned and sanitized more easily than those that fit snugly in the ear canal.
• Bone Conduction Headphones: These headphones transmit sound through the bones of the skull, bypassing the ear canal entirely. This design significantly reduces the risk of ear infections, making them an excellent choice for sensitive ears.
• Wireless Neckband Earphones: These are designed to rest around your neck, with earbuds that can be inserted when needed. They are typically easier to clean and allow for a more open ear environment.
• Custom-Fit Earplugs: These can be molded to fit your ear perfectly, providing comfort while minimizing the risk of irritation and infection.

Consulting a Healthcare Professional for Ear Health Concerns

Inflammation and mild ear infections can resolve on their own over the course of a few days. However, to make sure you don’t have developing ear infection from AirPods  it may be best to check in with your healthcare provider if:

• Your hearing is impaired
• You develop a fever (39°C) with ear pain
• Your symptoms are worsening instead of getting better
• You have pus, discharge, or fluid draining from the ear 

Earpods open the door for us to move more freely while staying connected. But without caution, they also have the potential to slow us down with an ear infection. If you find yourself wearing earbuds most of the day, remember to schedule headphone breaks to allow your ears to air out, and ensure the earbuds themselves are cleaned regularly. 

Reduce your risk of developing an ear infection from your earbuds and take control of your skin conditions with help from a Canadian-licensed primary care provider such as a family physician or nurse practitioner on Maple online today. If a hard-to-reach dermatologist is needed to help treat your skin condition, a consultation is often only 24 hours away. 

The information presented here is for educational purposes and not to replace the advice from your medical professional that is unique to you and your health history.