Look, even the most squeamish of us knows that human beings are essentially a walking safari park of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that have chosen to call our bodies home.
So this missive is not intended to scare anyone. Got it? Good.
Nevertheless, as I glance over at my current collection of listening gear – right now I’m reaching for the AirPods Max via USB-C, the Technics EAH-AZ100, anything hooked up to my iFi Go Pod Max test unit and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) in case you wondered – I’m reminded that I haven’t actually cleaned any of these in a couple of days. Well, beyond a quick swipe of the ear tips with a finger, that is…
And that’s not ideal. Why? Because a recent study commissioned by UK pharmacist and hearing-health provider Boots Hearingcare found that on-ear headphones in particular contained an average of 205 CFU (colony-forming units of bacteria), compared to just 21.5 CFU on a typical toilet seat – nearly 10 times higher.
The study combined the bacterial analysis of different audio devices with a survey of over 1,500 headphone users, and the worrying thing is that only 12.8% of users claimed to clean their headphones daily, and more than a third (34%) clean them just once a month or less.
A quick rundown of the dirtiest headphones in order, then:
- On-ear headphones – 205 CFU
- Over-ear headphones – 165 CFU
- Wireless in-ear earphones – 80.5 CFU
- Wired earphones – 48 CFU
- Toilet seat measured at 21.5 CFU
Again, CFU stands for ‘colony-forming units’, ie, the average number of bacterial colonies formed on the slide in testing. The bigger the number, the higher the level of infection.
The study continues that while there is no universal “safe” CFU, anything over 50 CFU is considered ‘contaminated’, meaning that the majority of the headphones tested in the study would not be regarded as hygienic.
Audiologist at Boots Hearingcare, Hannah Samuels, states: “It’s genuinely surprising to see that different headphone models are all showing bacterial levels higher than a toilet seat. Most people would never guess that something they wear daily could carry that kind of microbial load. It’s a hidden health hazard, and a clear sign that we need to rethink how often we clean these devices as well as how closely we link them to our overall ear health.”
It’s a pertinent point: with tech such as the hearing aid feature in AirPods Pro 2 and heart-rate monitoring in Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 encouraging us to see our listening gear as sports aids and wellness-centric devices, we might be overlooking the cleanliness of the hardware we’re putting in, around, and over our auricles.
More of us are staying wired – but are we cleaning regularly?
The survey also found that in-ear headphones, both wireless and wired, were used by over 62% of respondents (36.0% wireless, 26.6% wired – which is a higher number than I’d have imagined and one I’m happy to see), making them the most common headphone type. Additionally, more than 40% of users wear headphones daily according to the study, with 22.4% using them for over an hour each day.
As mentioned in the report, the high frequency of use combined with the fact that in-ear models sit deep in the ear canal does pose increased risks for individuals with earwax buildup or poor hygiene habits.
Samuels states: “While in-ear headphones may not directly cause inner ear infections, they can contribute to conditions that may lead to serious problems if not properly managed. Earbuds that are used daily but cleaned rarely create a perfect storm for infections.
“Frequently wearing headphones with earbuds, especially when you have significant earwax buildup, can result in pushing wax further down your ear, which can compact and cause discomfort, pain, and in some cases even temporary hearing loss.”
“In addition to this, trapped moisture and warmth can create bacterial growth and therefore increase the risk of ear infections. This is why it is important to clean them regularly, at least once a week, if not more.”
How often do you do it?
Ready for another Boots Hearingcare study conclusion? Over 1 in 20 (5.5%) admitted they’ve never cleaned their headphones, creating ideal conditions for bacterial build-up (and the potential nasties that can follow).
Samuels also shares some top tips for healthy headphone usage:
Clean your headphones regularly
“Cleaning your ear or headphones doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply clean them with a damp microfiber cloth soaked in gentle, non-scented soap with warm water and let them air dry, or use antibacterial wipes.
“If used at the gym, during sweaty activities, or while travelling, bacterial exposure goes up, so it’s important to clean them more often.”
Avoid sharing earphones
“Think again about sharing your earphones with someone. While it might be a nice gesture, this can increase the risk of transmitting bacteria or even ear infections.”
Don’t use earphones during ear infections
“Never use in-ear headphones if you’re recovering from any kind of ear infection. You could prolong healing or cause reinfection.”
Replace earbuds
“If using in-ear headphones, replace silicone or foam tips regularly to reduce bacterial accumulation.”
You can learn more about the study via the link, and I’ve also written guides on how to clean your AirPods, noting that Apple quietly updated its guidance on how to clean your buds in March this year (and even suggests a kit you can buy, made by Belkin).
So, that’s your Wellness Week public health service announcement from the audio desk. Thank you, Boots Hearingcare. Even the best earbuds aren’t truly self-cleaning (OK, some contain UVnano bacteria-busting cleaning tech, see the LG Tone Free T90S, but without ruining your lunch, I can tell you it doesn’t melt away earwax), and if you’re reading this, today might be a great day to run through the quick steps above.
