Wireless earphones are on the rise. In 2020, Apple sold an estimated 100 million AirPods. Earphones can be worn for longer periods of time if they are not tethered to our phones or other devices.
You might feel your ears becoming more waxy or sticky. This is normal? What happens to our ears if we wear earphones
Wireless earphones may be relatively new on the market. However, extensive research has been done to examine the long-term effects of hearing aids. Many of these devices have a similar mechanism.
This research shows that prolonged use of in-ear headphones can lead to earwax problems.
What is earwax?
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural process that occurs in many mammals and humans. A thin layer of wax should be found near the opening of your ear canal.
This wax acts as a protective and waterproof secretion. It acts as an anti-infective mechanism, protecting the skin from infection, and provides a barrier against bacteria, insects, and water. The dry earwax has a more white color and is sticky and brown.
Earwax is so effective at protecting the skin that it was even used to treat chapped lips in 1800s reports!
Earwax, a substance naturally found in the ear canal's external portion, is an example.
It is formed by oil glands and sweat glands secretion by hair follicles. This traps dust, bacteria and fungi and then forms the wax.
You can think of the external ear canal as an escalator system. The wax moves towards the outside and prevents the ears from getting clogged with dead skin cells.
Natural jaw movements can also help with the migration of earwax. The earwax simply falls out once it reaches the end.
This system could be affected by earphones
The ear is self-cleaning, and it can perform its functions without interruption. Anything that hinders the normal movement of earwax outside can cause problems.
In-ear headphones are not often a problem. However, prolonged use of earphones, like if they are left in for a long time, can cause problems.
The earwax will become less fluid and more difficult to expel naturally by compressing it
The body can cause inflammation by compressing the earwax. This causes white blood cells to migrate to the affected area, increasing the amount of blocked cells.
Airflow is improved and wet earwax stops drying out. Earwax that retains its stickiness over a prolonged period of time encourages buildup.
The ears trap sweat and moisture, which makes them more susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections.
You can create a barrier that prevents the natural expulsion of earwax, which stimulates the secretory glands and increases earwax production.
If the pads of your earbuds don't get cleaned up properly or are contaminated with bacteria, it can reduce your overall ear hygiene.
If the volume is too high, it can cause damage to your hearing.
Excessive earwax buildup can lead to hearing problems and other symptoms like dizziness, pain, itching, vertigo, tinnitus, and tingling.
Over-ear headphones are a good option if you listen for a long time. These headphones offer slightly more airflow than earbuds or in-ear earphones.
This isn't as good as keeping your ears open to outside air. Earwax accumulation can still happen.
Over-ear headphones also sit outside of the ear canal so they are less likely to cause earwax compaction or introduce bacteria or pathogens into the ear canal.
Nothing is more important than your elbow
Earwax can be controlled by leaving it alone. Cotton buds should not be used frequently as they can push earwax back into your ear canal. It is best to not put anything smaller than your elbow into your ear.
Traditional methods such as olive oil drops and ear candles can also have negative effects, so they are not recommended.
Your family doctor can help you with ear wax and other hearing problems. They will also be able to direct you to the right health service if you need longer-term treatment.
Initially, the doctor will examine your ear using an otoscope (special instrument) to determine the extent of any obstructions or dysfunction.
The ear's amazing self-cleaning process is still going on. We should let it happen naturally. Earphones can be used in most cases, but it is still a good idea to monitor how much time you use them. Be sure to keep the volume at a safe level.
Charlotte Phelps is a PhD student at Bond University. Christian Moro is Associate Professor of Science & Medicine at Bond University.
This article was republished by The Conversation under Creative Commons. You can read the original article.
