Why sharing earphones could be harming your ears
From matatus and classrooms to gyms and salons, earphone sharing is a widespread habit. But specialists are raising the alarm: it is not just unhygienic; it can be harmful.
What seems like a simple gesture, letting a friend borrow your earphones, might be exposing your ears to serious health risks.
From matatus and classrooms to gyms and salons, earphone sharing is a widespread habit. But specialists are raising the alarm: it is not just unhygienic; it can be harmful.
Dr. Salma Noor, an Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) specialist based in Nairobi, says the practice is a leading but often overlooked cause of outer ear infections, especially among young people.
“The ear canal is a delicate space. When you insert earphones that have been in someone else’s ear, especially without cleaning them, you're introducing foreign bacteria and fungi into that environment,” she explains.
“This can easily disrupt the natural balance of the ear and lead to conditions like otitis externa.”
Otitis externa, often referred to as “swimmer’s ear,” is a painful inflammation of the outer ear canal that causes itching, swelling, and sometimes fluid discharge.
But according to Dr Salma, that is just one of the many problems shared earphones can cause. Others include fungal infections, allergic skin reactions, and even wax impaction.
“Most people don’t clean their earbuds. What they don’t realise is that earwax, sweat, dead skin, and dirt get trapped on the surface. If that’s transferred to another person’s ear, it creates the perfect environment for infections to flourish,” she says.
Dr Salma also points out that the problem is made worse by the popularity of in-ear devices, which fit snugly inside the ear canal, making it easier for bacteria to spread.
“Over-ear headphones are generally safer in this regard because they don’t enter the ear canal. But most people prefer in-ear buds, especially in public or when travelling.”
In her clinic, Dr Salma sees a growing number of teens and young adults complaining of itchy ears, pain, or discomfort, often after gym sessions or exam periods when shared earphones are common.
“All it takes is one sweaty workout or one long matatu ride with borrowed earphones, and an infection can start,” she says.
“It may begin as mild irritation, but if left untreated, it can lead to more serious issues, including hearing loss.”
She also highlights another hidden risk, skin reactions. “Some people develop allergic responses to the material of the earphones, or even to another user’s skin oils, lotions, or hair products. These reactions can cause redness and peeling around the ear area.”
Dr Salma urges people to treat their earphones as personal hygiene items, just like toothbrushes.
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“Earphones should not be shared, and if it is absolutely necessary, they should be disinfected with alcohol-based wipes before and after use.”
She also advises cleaning your own earphones regularly, especially after working out or using them in hot, humid environments.
Taking short breaks from earphone use can also help reduce moisture buildup in the ears.
“Let your ears breathe,” she adds. “Wearing earbuds for hours on end traps heat and moisture, and that creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.”
Dr Salma encourages parents to educate children and teenagers about ear hygiene, especially since many of them spend long hours wearing earphones while streaming music or videos.
“Protecting your hearing starts with small daily habits. Saying no to shared earphones may seem like a small thing, but it can prevent infections and long-term complications. Your ears will thank you for it.”
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