They’re some of the most popular earphones on the market, but new advice may put you off wearing AirPods.
An ear expert has revealed that wearing earphones can cause a buildup of dirt, sweat, oil, dead skin and even hair in your ear.
Worryingly, over time this can actually lead to ear infections, according to Lisa Hellwege, clinical director of Earworx.
Speaking to Yahoo News Australia , she explained: “Anything that obstructs that natural pathway of wax out of the ears can lead to wax buildup.
“As with earplugs and hearing aids, earphones sit in the part of the canal where wax is produced, and can actually stimulate the production of more wax when they are in use.”
Earwax has several important jobs including protecting and moisturising the ear canal, but in excess it can lead to infections.
This is particularly an issue for earphone-wearers in humid countries, according to Ms Hellwege.
She explained: “Water trapped behind built-up wax, especially in humid environments, can lead to ear infections. Symptoms can include pain, odour, discharge and itching.”
While you might be attached to your earphones, Ms Hellwege suggests that over-ear alternatives are much better for your aural health.
She added: “Like cotton buds, earphones often pick up the wax in the outer third of the ear canal where it is produced, and can leave the ears dry and itchy.
“Let the wax build back up and see if this improves things. Infections can also be reintroduced by soiled earphones - try cleaning them daily with an alcohol wipe which kills 99.9% of pathogens.”
