Marta Lull, speech-language pathologist: "Not cleaning your earphones can cause hearing loss."

Daily use of headphones is commonplace these days, but few people realize that not keeping them clean can have negative consequences for hearing health . Speech-language pathologist Marta Lull warns that poor hygiene of these devices can lead to hearing loss and other ear-related problems .

According to Lull, “ not cleaning your earbuds can cause hearing loss ,” due to the constant contact with the ear canal and the buildup of dirt and moisture . This combination of factors can cause irritation and increase the risk of infection. Additionally, the friction of earbuds, lack of breathability, and dirt on the devices contribute to creating an environment conducive to fungal growth .

The specialist emphasizes that " poor hydration can cause moisture and this can lead to mycosis, a fungal infection ," which further aggravates the situation. This infection not only affects the skin of the ear but can also damage the internal structures, affecting hearing in the long term .

What should you do?

Marta Lull also offers some practical tips for better care of your earbuds. One of the most important is to avoid using someone else's earbuds without first cleaning them , as this can transmit bacteria and fungi . She also recommends cleaning earbuds regularly , at least once a week. "This is especially important for earbuds that fit into the external auditory canal ," she explains, emphasizing the need to maintain the hygiene of these devices in particular.

Taking the time to clean your earbuds is a simple and effective way to take care of your hearing health . With small steps, we can avoid major complications and continue enjoying music or podcasts without putting our hearing at risk.