Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
Subscribe
YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

Why you shouldn't clean your ears with cotton buds

Why you shouldn't clean your ears with cotton buds

10 different ways to fall asleep quicker

10 different ways to fall asleep quicker

What you need to know about your thyroid

What you need to know about your thyroid

Tired all the time? 5 common causes of fatigue and how to fix them

Tired all the time? 5 common causes of fatigue and how to fix them

{headline}

{headline}

10 things to avoid so you stick to your diet

10 things to avoid so you stick to your diet

Sam Wood goes bushwalking

Sam Wood goes bushwalking

10 tips for sticking to your diet

10 tips for sticking to your diet

{headline}

{headline}

35 best face masks in Australia

35 best face masks in Australia

8 healthy chip snacks worth trying

8 healthy chip snacks worth trying

Indoor plants: 10 of the best house plants

Indoor plants: 10 of the best house plants

How to keep fit at any age

How to keep fit at any age

How long does caffeine last in your system?

How long does caffeine last in your system?

How to tone your body with Sam Wood

How to tone your body with Sam Wood

So you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, what now?

So you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, what now?

  1. Home
  2. Health

The gross reason you should never share earphones

And how to clean them. - by Laura Barry
  • 21 Dec 2018
The gross reason you should never share earphones

Small earbud-type earphones have been around for a while now. Almost everyone who owns an iPhone has a pair of earpods, and most audio brands’ affordable styles of earphones are in-ear varieties. While many of us probably shared an earphone with a friend or two before, it turns out it’s something we should definitely never, ever do.

Kelly Reynolds, associate professor of environmental health at the University of Arizona also told Buzzfeed US that, “studies have shown that earbuds cause an 11-fold increase in bacteria in the ears and when you share headphones, you’re doubling the microbial flora in your ears and introducing new bacteria.”

two people sharing earpods
Getty

Although ear wax is mostly harmless, it comes from a tiny crevasse in your body that is home to endless amount of naturally occurring bacteria and dead skin cells that are unique to each and every person. Earphones spend a lot of time in that tiny dark place, blocking the only exit point for wax and trapping moisture, picking up that bacteria and making earphones the perfect breeding ground for germs.

Furthermore, just think about all the germ-ridden places your earphones come into contact with. Bouncing around the bottom of a bag, on tables, in your pocket and sometimes even on the floor. What does that mean? It means you put yourself at risk of ear infections, in-ear pimples, fungus and other bacterial-driven issues, not to mention the risk of skin infections if you have broken skin, such as a scratch, near to where your earphones sit.

blue earphones
Getty

And sharing earphones with a friends adds all of their bacteria to the mix too, meaning everytime you share an earphone with a friend you are increasing your chances of contracting one of these issues.

It’s important to regularly clean your earphones to keep the germs at bay. Apple recommends:

  • Using a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
  • Make sure not to get any liquid in the openings.
  • Clean the microphone and speaker meshes with a dry cotton swab. Remove any debris from the meshes with a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush.
  • Don't use sharp objects or abrasive materials to clean your AirPods or EarPods.

However, it pays to also go over your earphones with a soft cloth and some rubbing alcohol to neutralize as much of the bacteria as possible.

You might also like:

Your phone is 7 times dirtier than a toilet seat

These are the 5 dirtiest household items you own

5 myths about earwax you probably believe

  • News
  • Health
  • Cleaning
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

Get your mag delivered!-Save 29% off the cover price!

Subscribe for $4.95 per issue

Subscribe Now
Get your mag delivered!

Get your mag delivered!-Save 29% off the cover price!

Subscribe for $4.95 per issue

Subscribe Now
Get your mag delivered!

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

Why you shouldn't clean your ears with cotton buds

Why you shouldn't clean your ears with cotton buds

10 different ways to fall asleep quicker

10 different ways to fall asleep quicker

What you need to know about your thyroid

What you need to know about your thyroid

Tired all the time? 5 common causes of fatigue and how to fix them

Tired all the time? 5 common causes of fatigue and how to fix them

{headline}

{headline}

10 things to avoid so you stick to your diet

10 things to avoid so you stick to your diet

Sam Wood goes bushwalking

Sam Wood goes bushwalking

10 tips for sticking to your diet

10 tips for sticking to your diet

{headline}

{headline}

35 best face masks in Australia

35 best face masks in Australia

8 healthy chip snacks worth trying

8 healthy chip snacks worth trying

Indoor plants: 10 of the best house plants

Indoor plants: 10 of the best house plants

How to keep fit at any age

How to keep fit at any age

How long does caffeine last in your system?

How long does caffeine last in your system?

How to tone your body with Sam Wood

How to tone your body with Sam Wood

So you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, what now?

So you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, what now?

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • Airtasker
  • 7NEWS
  • SocietyOne
  • Health Engine
  • Starts at 60
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Get your mag delivered!-Save 29% off the cover price!

Shop This Offer
Get your mag delivered!