By Charlotte Phelps and Dr. Christian Moro, PhD, Bond University — The Conversation — 8 October 2021
Wireless earphone sales are booming, with Apple alone selling an estimated 100 million sets of AirPods in 2020. Being untethered from our phones means we are likely to wear earphones for longer periods — and as a result, you might notice your ears feeling more sticky or waxy. Earwax (cerumen) is a normal, protective secretion that moistens the ear canal and provides a barrier against insects, bacteria and water. The ear is self-cleaning, with wax naturally migrating toward the outside aided by jaw movements. Anything that blocks this natural progression of earwax can cause problems.
Prolonged earphone use — such as leaving them in all day — could: compress earwax, making it less fluid and harder for the body to expel naturally; compact earwax to the extent the body induces inflammation; impact airflow and stop wet earwax from drying out, encouraging build-up; trap sweat and moisture, making ears more prone to bacterial and fungal infections; stimulate the secretory glands, increasing earwax production; reduce overall ear hygiene if earbuds are not cleaned properly; and damage hearing if the volume is set too high. Over-ear headphones offer a small amount of extra airflow compared to in-ear earphones and are less likely to cause earwax compaction or introduce bacteria to the ear canal. In most cases the best way to control earwax is to leave it alone — it is not recommended to use cotton buds frequently as this can force earwax further into the canal. The ear has a wonderful process of self-cleaning and we should do our best to let this occur naturally. Be sure to always keep volume at safe levels and stay aware of how long you spend wearing earphones.