Mar 12, 2026 12:00:00

Why should you clean your earphones regularly?

Many people wear earphones or headphones daily and listen to music or podcasts for hours a day. However, using earphones, especially in-ear or in-ear types that insert the tips into

the ear canal (external ear canal) , can cause unexpected health problems. Dr. Lina Wong , a researcher at the School of Health Sciences at Curtin University in Australia, has compiled 'advice for earphone users to keep their ears clean and safe.'

Here's why you might want to clean your headphones
https://theconversation.com/heres-why-you-might-want-to-clean-your-headphones-255590

What is the structure of the ear?
The human ear (external ear) consists of the pinna (auricle) , which is a sound-collecting part made of elastic cartilage, and the external auditory canal through which sound waves enter.

Typical over-ear headphones are designed so that the ear pads cover the entire outer ear. On the other hand, in-ear and in-ear earphones are designed so that the tip fits into the entrance of the ear canal. Earplugs and hearing aids are also mostly shaped to fit into the entrance of the ear canal, just like these earphones.

Deep inside the ear canal, earwax and sebum are secreted, which help keep the skin healthy and moisturized, reducing the risk of infection. The tiny hairs inside the ear canal also help regulate body temperature and keep foreign objects out, and these tiny hairs and earwax expel particles, loose skin, and bacteria that have entered the ear canal. The green area in the diagram below shows the ear canal.

by Lars Chittka; Axel Brockmann

◆What effect do earphones have on bacteria in the ear?
A healthy ear canal is home to a wide variety of harmless microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These microorganisms compete for space and nutrients, and this diversity creates an environment that makes it difficult for potential pathogens to take hold. However, Wong points out that wearing earphones or hearing aids can disrupt the balance between 'good' and 'bad' microorganisms.

A 2024

study compared the bacteria in the ear canals of 50 long-term hearing aid users with 80 non-users. The results showed that those who used hearing aids and whose ear canals were blocked for extended periods had fewer types of bacteria in their ear canals than those who did not. Another study published in 2025 showed that using headphones or earphones increases the risk of ear infections, especially when devices are shared by multiple people.

'This may be because headphones, especially in-ear earphones, can make the ear canal hot and humid, especially if you exercise or sweat while wearing earphones. High humidity levels can increase the risk of ear infections and pus-like discharge. Wearing in-ear devices such as hearing aids and earphones for extended periods can also inhibit the natural earwax cleaning process,' Wong said.

What can you do to keep your ears healthy?
Even though earphones can be harmful to your hearing, most people find it difficult to go back to earphone-free at this point, so Wong offers some advice on what you can do to keep your ears healthy.

Give your ears regular rest
If your ear canals are constantly blocked, they can easily become damp and hot, so Wong recommends removing earphones and other devices at different times throughout the day to let your ear canals 'breathe.'

・Use bone conduction earphones (headphones)
Bone conduction earphones do not block the ear, but transmit sound directly to

the inner ear by vibrating the bones. This means that the ear canal is not blocked and the problems inherent to in-ear devices can be avoided, but as with other earphones, it is important to be careful about the volume as turning up the volume too high can cause hearing loss.

Clean your earphones regularly
Regular cleaning is also important to reduce the impact of earphone use on your ears. Suggestions on how often to clean earphones vary, fromonce a week to daily . One method is to clean them with a damp cloth or a child's toothbrush in water mixed with mild detergent, then wipe off any moisture with a paper towel or similar, and leave them for a few hours before charging or reusing. However, it's best to follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Wong also recommends cleaning the earphone case.

Don't use earphones when you're sick
If you have an ear infection, it's best not to use earphones or other devices, as increased humidity and temperature inside the ear can slow recovery.

Pay attention to symptoms
If you experience itching, redness, or an unusual discharge from your ears, you should stop using earphones or other devices and see a doctor, Wong said.