Even a single use of in-ear headphones can lead to earwax buildup and inflammation in the ears. A medical professional with expertise in audiology and ENT from GUTA CLINICS, Marina Paukova, explained this in an interview with socialbites.ca.
She noted that a sulfur plug can form to anyone at any moment. When a sulfur plug occurs, it often points to a disruption in the secretory system of the ear or changes in the epithelium. Poor ear canal hygiene can also contribute to fungal growth. The act of inserting a foreign object into the ear canal and then leaving it there — which happens with the use of headphones — pushes earwax deeper into the outer ear canal. That can lead to complications, she warned.
The ear canal contains two parts: a mobile cartilaginous portion and a fixed bony portion inside the skull. Lining the mobile cartilaginous section are tiny projections that help expel sulfur and keep the external auditory canal clean. When sulfur masses migrate into the immovable bone portion, the ear cannot clean itself effectively, and medical intervention becomes necessary.
Normally, there is no foreign body in the ear. When blockage occurs, ventilation is impaired. This creates a warmer, more humid environment that increases sulfur secretion, raising the risk of congestion. Prolonged use of headphones, especially during pressure changes such as takeoff and landing on an airplane, can cause barotrauma. In such cases, the eardrum may fail to move with air pressure changes, leading to discomfort and potential injury.
How often and how long one can safely wear earphones without risking a plug depends on many variables, including an individual’s tendency to form earwax and the surrounding environment. Wearing earphones for extended periods in humid climates or high temperatures can markedly raise the risk of clogging: increased sulfur production combined with reduced clearance by the ear’s natural cleaning mechanisms creates a foreign body problem.
Prolonged in-ear headphone use may trigger severe inflammation, temporary or permanent hearing loss, eardrum injury, dizziness, and pressure sores on the ear canal wall. In contrast, external headphones generally present less risk of these specific issues, according to the specialist.
It is essential to understand that proper hygiene, careful usage, and awareness of environmental conditions can significantly reduce these risks. If discomfort, fullness, or reduced hearing develops after using in-ear devices, seeking medical evaluation can prevent complications from worsening.