As you press play on your favorite podcast or a new album, you might be doing more than just drowning out the noise of the day.
A startling new study from The Hearing Care Partnership has found that you could be inserting a cocktail of harmful bacteria directly into your ears.
From E. coli to Staphylococcus aureus, the earbuds you use every day may be harboring some of the same pathogens found in hospitals or public bathrooms.
As earphones remain a constant part of daily life, the discovery prompts an uncomfortable question: when was the last time you cleaned yours?
Experts at The Hearing Care Partnership undertook a study including a professional swab test of a typical pair of used earphones, uncovering the terrifying types of bacteria found if they aren’t cleaned enough.
Key bacteria found include:
E. coli: Often found in household environments, this bacterium can lead to food poisoning.
Staphylococcus aureus: A pathogen linked to skin infections like acne and folliculitis, and even respiratory conditions.
Bacillus cereus: Known for causing foodborne illness, this bacterium is commonly found in soil and food.
Clostridium perfringens: One of the leading causes of food poisoning, especially in improperly stored food.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Commonly found on cockroaches, this bacteria can easily spread to poorly cleaned items.
Fecal streptococci and enterococci: Indicating fecal contamination, these bacteria are typically found in the human gut.
The Hearing Care Partnership
This isn’t the first time an alarming connection between earphones and bacteria has been examined. In a 2008 study published in the Online Journal of Health and Allied Sciences, researcher Chiranjay Mukhopadhyay and colleagues looked at bacterial growth associated with earphone use.
The study of 50 male participants revealed that frequent and prolonged use of earphones dramatically increased the presence of harmful bacteria in the ear.
“Wearing dirty earbuds can irritate the skin inside your ears, potentially leading to pimples or sores due to the constant friction from the dirt. Additionally, dirty earbuds can trap bacteria, dirt, and earwax in the ear canal, causing blockages, discomfort, and eventually leading to hearing issues. Regularly cleaning your earbuds is essential for preventing these problems and maintaining good ear hygiene,” a spokesperson for The Hearing Care Partnership told Newsweek.
How To Clean Your Headphones
“Establishing a regular cleaning routine ensures your earphones stay as clean as possible, minimizing the risk of potential skin irritations or infections, The Hearing Care Partnership said. “It’s best practice to clean your earphones after every use, but a general rule of thumb is to clean them after 3 days of wear. Remember, prevention is better than cure.”
Cleaning the body of your earphones:
– Apple recommends wiping down the body of earphones with a cloth slightly dampened in fresh water. Dry them with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth and let them dry for at least two hours before charging or using them again.
Cleaning the charging case:
– Wipe down the case with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. You can use a slightly damp cloth or small amount of isopropyl alcohol if needed.
– Allow the case to dry completely and ensure no liquid enters charging ports.
– Remove any debris from the charging port with a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush.
It is important to never use abrasive materials or sharp objects for cleaning. Earphones should also never be submerged in water.