Do Earbuds and Headphones Lead to Earwax Buildup?

If you work from home or are a gamer, you most likely wear headphones most of the time. In my case, I always use my TWS earbuds when I'm not at my desk and wear headphones when using a computer.

You may also find yourself in a similar predicament where you're always listening to lectures, music, podcasts, or work-related content. As a result, headphones are now a necessary item in our everyday lives. We are unaware of the potential health risks these headphones provide, though.

One of these insights is the impact of headphones on the accumulation of earwax in our ears. Earwax accumulation can range from a small irritation to a serious medical risk, depending on the individual and the type of audio device they use. It is crucial to understand its effects and how to reduce earwax accumulation.

Thus, do earphones and headphones contribute to the accumulation of earwax? To that question, the answer is that, depending on the device and your level of ear care, they can indeed lead to earwax buildup.

How Does Earwax Form and Why Do We Have It?

Earwax may be considered an "icky" topic by some, but if we want to take care of our ears when using headphones, we need to have this conversation.

Earwax accumulation is not a major problem. Earwax is completely natural and really beneficial to the health of your ears.

Unique glands located inside your ears secrete and produce earwax. Earwax serves as a lubricant, deters insects, stops infections, and collects unwanted particles and waste. Thus, there's no need to panic if you have earwax inside your ears.

For earwax to transfer dirt and other small undesired particles outside, ears must be free and open. Because the ears are closed off when headphones or earbuds are in place, earwax accumulates inside the ears and can serve as a haven for bacteria and fungi.

With time, earwax comes out of our ears. When we speak or chew, the motion of our jaws helps to remove wax buildup from our ears. The use of earbuds impedes this process.

Earbuds vs. Headphones

In an ideal world, everyone would utilize speakers to listen to music or podcasts because these are the only devices we can use without "harming" our ears, if earwax buildup and our health were to be our primary concerns.

Consequently, we are forced to utilize headphones or earbuds since we are unable to use speakers. Let's compare how each impacts earwax buildup in this part. Spoiler alert: headphones work slightly better than the others.

1.Earbuds

Even though they have a smaller form factor than headphones, earbuds are far more dangerous. Earbuds have a tendency to scrape up any earwax when they are pushed further within your ears. This is among the more frequent causes of the buildup of earwax inside our ears. Furthermore, even if we use our earbuds appropriately, if we wear them for extended periods of time, the earwax gets trapped there and becomes a haven for bacteria and fungi.

2.Headphones

Headphones are somewhat “okay” because they don’t push deep inside your ears. Regretfully, headphones also have their share of issues. Wearing in-ear or over-ear headphones prevents the ears from receiving adequate ventilation, which allows bacteria and fungi to proliferate.

While both headphones and earbuds have drawbacks, in this instance, headphones are a better option.

How Can You Look After Your Ears Better?

It's not a good idea to accumulate earwax inside your ears. Most people won't have any problems in the future as long as they use common sense and practice moderately acceptable hygiene.

As prevention is always preferable to treatment, I'll outline a few habits you can adopt to maintain clean ears and prevent an excessive buildup of earwax.

1.Making the switch to headphones

Regretfully, the big guys have prevailed. You can enjoy higher sound quality without obstructing your ears with tiny earbuds by switching to headphones. Just be sure to purchase a high-quality pair that allows for some airflow into your ears.

2.Frequently clean the headphones

Cleaning your headphones each time you wear them may not be the most sensible method. You do not have to do it very often, though. I advise you to clean your earphones or headphones at least once a day. When the earwax has dried, brush it off and use an alcohol wipe to sterilize the area.

3.Release your auditory buds

Every now and then, give your ears a chance to breathe. You don't need to give those earphones "free real estate" in your ears if you can concentrate in a really quiet place without listening to music. Slide them into the casing and open your ears.

These are just typical preventive techniques that anyone can use; they are not medical advice. However, do not attempt to dig your ears with a cotton swab if you experience any pain, lightheadedness, or fullness inside your ears. Instead, call a doctor right away.

This article taught us how earwax develops and how, if left unchecked, it can become a problem. Consequently, to emphasize this point, the greatest thing you can do if you're concerned about earwax buildup is to switch to headphones, take regular breaks when using these devices, clean your ears, and allow the wax to fall out naturally. Earbuds are undoubtedly the biggest source of earwax buildup.

In Summary

Earwax accumulation is a highly prevalent problem. Even though the majority of people manage to avoid serious illnesses or infections, it is always preferable to practice good hygiene. Although headphones aren't ideal, switching to them helps reduce this. Wearing headphones inside can get a little warm, so be sure to take frequent pauses and occasionally remove your headphones.