Can You Wear Earbuds with an Ear Infection?

You’ve had your earbuds in for most of the day, jamming to your favorite playlist, hopping on work calls, or tuning to that podcast everyone’s talking about. But now, your ear feels a little off. Maybe it’s tender, itchy, or downright painful. Could it be an ear infection? And if it is… can you still wear your earbuds, or is that just asking for trouble? Short answer: It’s not a great idea. Wearing earbuds with an ear infection is a recipe for prolonging the pain. Plus, they put extra pressure on already inflamed skin inside your ear canal.

In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about earbuds and ear infections. From how those Bluetooth devices can contribute to infections to what to do if your ears are already irritated. We’ll unpack the facts in a way that’s easy to understand (and hopefully a bit easier to live with).

So let’s get into it.

Why It’s Not Safe to Wear Earbuds With an Ear Infection

Below are three reasons why using earbuds with an ear infection is a bad idea:

It slows healing

When your ear is infected, the tissue inside is inflamed and more sensitive than usual. Inserting earbuds—no matter how gently—can irritate the area even more. Repeated friction or pressure can interfere with the healing process and potentially extend how long the infection lasts. In other words, what should’ve taken a few days to clear up might end up lingering for much longer.

It worsens the infection

One of the biggest issues with wearing earbuds during an ear infection is the way they trap heat and moisture inside your ear canal. Not to mention that pressure from the little devices can cause impacted earwax that clogs the ear canal. This creates a cozy little environment for bacteria or fungi to thrive, exactly what you don’t want when your ear’s already compromised. 

It can be painful 

Let’s be real: even if you’re tempted to wear earbuds, there’s a good chance your ear simply won’t tolerate it. Infections often come with tenderness, pressure, or swelling, and placing anything in or near the canal can be downright painful. If it hurts just thinking about it, that’s your cue to skip the earbuds and give your ears a break.

Can You Wear Over-the-Ear Headphones with an Ear Infection?

But then, you might be thinking, “Okay, maybe I’ll just switch to over-the-ear headphones instead?” Fair question—but even that comes with a warning label.

While over-the-ear headphones don’t go inside your ear canal, they can still create a warm, humid environment around your ears, especially if you’re wearing them for long periods. That lack of airflow can aggravate the infection or slow down recovery, just like earbuds do. 

Can Earbuds Cause an Ear Infection?

Yes, earbuds can cause an ear infection. But to be fair, it’s usually not the devices themselves that are the problem. It’s how you use them (and sometimes how often you forget to clean them).

Here’s what can trigger an earbud ear infection:

1. Bacteria buildup

As Hayley Ralph told OSF HealthCare, “Bacteria and fungi thrive in moist, warm areas, such as the ear canal…” Add in earbuds, especially during workouts or long listening sessions, and you’re essentially sealing in sweat and bacteria. That trapped moisture and heat can turn your ear canal into a cozy little breeding ground for infection-causing microbes.

2. Earwax accumulation

Your ears are self-cleaning machines, and earwax plays a big role in that. But earbuds can mess with that natural process. When you insert earbuds repeatedly, especially deeply or forcefully, they can push earwax further down the canal instead of letting it work its way out. That buildup can trap bacteria and block airflow, both of which increase your risk of infection.

3. Prolonged use

Wearing earbuds for hours on end? That constant pressure and friction can irritate the skin lining your ear canal. Once the skin is inflamed or broken (even slightly), it becomes easier for bacteria or fungi to enter and cause an infection. Think of it like a scraped knee that never gets a chance to heal because you’re always rubbing against it.

4. Sharing earbuds

It might seem like no big deal to share your earbuds with a friend, but germs don’t care about friendships. Earbuds can easily transfer bacteria, viruses, or even fungi from one person to another. And the kicker? The person you’re borrowing from might not even know they have an ear infection. If sharing is unavoidable, using disposable earbud covers is a smart way to cut down the risk. They’re cheap, easy to use, and give you a little peace of mind.

So, while the earbuds themselves aren’t the direct cause, the habits around using them absolutely can be a factor.

Symptoms of Ear Infection from Earbuds: What to Watch For

Symptoms of an ear infection can vary, but if it’s related to earbud use, you might experience:

• Itching inside the ear
• Mild to moderate pain
• Temporary hearing loss or muffled sound
• Discharge or fluid (in some cases)
• A feeling of fullness or blockage
• Nausea, in some cases
• Fever (The American Academy of Pediatrics classifies body temperature above 101 degrees Fahrenheit as fever. 

Earbuds vs. Earphones: Is One Safer?

You might be wondering: Is there a difference between earbuds and earphones when it comes to infections?

There is!

Earphones (yep, those snug little in-ear ones) sit deeper in your ear canal than regular earbuds, which rest more on the outer part of the ear. Because they go deeper, earphones are more likely to irritate the sensitive skin inside your ear and even lead to extra earwax buildup, especially if they don’t fit well or you wear them for hours.

Traditional earbuds might be a little less invasive, but don’t let them off the hook—they still trap moisture and bacteria, making infections a real possibility. In both cases, hygiene and moderation are key. Neither is completely “safe” if used carelessly.

Already Have an Infection? Do This Instead

If you’re already dealing with ear pain or an infection, it’s time to give your earbuds a break—literally.

• Skip the in-ears: Don’t wear earbuds with an ear infection. Try over-ear headphones if you really need to listen to something, but avoid any direct contact with the ear canal.
• See a doctor: Noticed swelling, weird discharge, or lingering pain? Don’t tough it out—consult with a medical professional. And for those curious about ear infection from earbuds treatment, the best option could be anything from antibiotic drops to antifungal airdrops or even a bit of topical steroid.
• Don’t self-clean too aggressively: Avoid cotton swabs inside the ear; they can push wax deeper or irritate sensitive tissue.
• Let your ears breathe: Sometimes, the best “treatment” is simply leaving your ears alone and letting them heal in peace.

Tips to Prevent Ear Infections from Earbuds

The good news? You don’t have to give up earbuds entirely. Here’s how to reduce your chances of getting an ear infection from earbuds:

1. Clean your earbuds (often)

Give your earbuds a gentle wipe-down at least once a week, or right after a sweaty workout. A soft cloth and a dab of rubbing alcohol (or a disinfectant wipe) will do the job. Just don’t rush it—let the devices dry completely before using them again. Your ears will thank you!

2. Let your ears breathe

As comfy and convenient as earbuds are, your ears weren’t designed to have something plugged into them all day long. After all, you’ve probably heard of the 60/60 rule of preventing hearing loss—keep the volume under 60% and listen for no more than 60 minutes at a time (per the American Osteopathic Association). To lower your risk of infection, give your ears a breather. Experts suggest taking a 5–10 minute break after every hour of earbud use

3. Store them properly

We’re all guilty of it—pulling out our earbuds and tossing them into a gym bag, pocket, or backpack. But here’s the thing: that’s basically an open invitation for dust, dirt, lint, bacteria, and whatever else is floating around to tag along. And when you put them back in your ears?  Yep, all that grime goes right into your ears. Do yourself (and your ears)—store your earbuds in a clean, hard-shell case. That keeps them way cleaner and safe from damage. Win-win.

4. Keep your ears clean, too

Excess earwax can trap bacteria and irritate your ear canal. But before you go jabbing a cotton swab in there—hold up. If you’re not careful, you could end up pushing the wax in deeper or even hurting your ear.  If you can see or feel wax near the edge, just wrap a clean washcloth around your finger and gently wipe it away. And if it feels like there’s a deeper blockage? That’s your cue to consult with your doctor. 

The Bottom Line

So, can you wear earbuds with an ear infection? You really shouldn’t. Give your ears time to heal and avoid adding fuel to the fire. More importantly, take steps to prevent earbuds ear infections in the first place—keep things clean, take breaks, and treat your ears with care.

Sure, earbuds are great. But your ears are greater—protect them, and they’ll keep registering those beats, podcasts, work calls, and voice notes without complaint.

FAQs

1. How long after an ear infection can you use earbuds?

As tempting as it is to jump back into your favorite playlist, you’ve got to give your ears a proper breather. Let the infection fully clear—this can take a few weeks. If you’re still dealing with pain, weird pressure, or any kind of discharge, skip the earbuds and check in with your doc. 

2. Can earbuds damage your eardrum?

Short answer? They can, if you’re blasting your music like it’s a concert in your head. Here’s the deal: those sound waves travel through your middle ear and hit your inner ear, where tiny hair cells do the heavy lifting of turning vibrations into the electrical pulses your brain translates into the music you hear. But crank the volume too high, and those little guys get damaged. So yeah, keep it chill on the volume dial. 

3. Do headphones cause ear infections?

Absolutely—headphones, particularly the over-ear kind, can play a sneaky role in ear infections if you wear them too often. They trap moisture and block airflow, creating a warm, damp environment for bacteria to thrive. Add in a sweaty workout or a hot day, and you’ve basically created a prime spot for infections. Now, one might wonder: Can you wear headphones with an ear infection? Well, you guessed it—that’s a hard no. Give those ears a break!

4. What headphones don’t cause ear infections?

Open-ear headphones could be your ears’ new best friends. These sit outside your ear canal, which means they don’t trap heat, moisture, or bacteria like traditional earbuds do. Less sweat, more airflow, and fewer chances of headphone ear infection? That’s a triple win. Bonus: You stay aware of your surroundings, too.

5. How do you clean earwax out of earbuds? 

Got gunk on your earbuds? No worries. A cotton swab works great for brushing off wax and dust, and if you need to reach into those tiny crevices, the pointy end of a floss stick can help (just be gentle, please). A bit of tape can also lift out surface grime. Whatever you use, be careful not to poke too hard—you want clean sound, not damaged gear.

6. Can earphones cause ear infections?

Yes, earphones can cause ear infections. Here’s how.

• Trapped moisture and warmth: Earphones sit snugly inside your ears, blocking airflow. This creates a warm, humid environment where bacteria love to grow.
• Earwax compaction: Inserting earphones often can push earwax deeper into the ear, leading to blockages and possible infections.
• Skin irritation: Long listening sessions can irritate the delicate skin inside your ears, making it easier for germs to break through.

Ezekiel Maina

Ezekiel Maina is the brains behind ContentGenics, where he pairs creativity and strategy for B2B and B2C content. He has written for brands like House Digest, iFoundries, and BeamJobs, covering topics like home improvement, real estate, freelancing, digital marketing, and career development. By day, he’s crafting content or catching up with clients from his home office, lost in a good book, or occasionally chasing adventure outside. By late evening, he’s typically deep in a documentary rabbit hole on Netflix or YouTube.