Using Headphones Safely with an Ear Infection
Ear infections can make listening to music or podcasts more challenging. Headphones put direct pressure on the infected ear, which may increase pain and discomfort. However, you can still enjoy headphones during an ear infection by choosing the right headphones and using some simple precautions.
Types of Ear Infections
There are several types of ear infections that can develop:
- Outer ear infection (otitis externa) - Infection of the outer ear canal, often caused by water trapped after swimming.
- Middle ear infection (otitis media) - Infection behind the eardrum, usually from a cold. Most common in children.
- Inner ear infection (otitis interna) - Infection in the inner ear, often linked to respiratory illness or head trauma.
- Swimmers ear - Outer ear infection from water exposure.
Middle ear infections are the most prevalent and affect pressure and sound through the eardrum. This can make headphones more uncomfortable.
Headphone Use with an Ear Infection
Most doctors recommend avoiding inserting anything into the infected ear canal, including earbuds. Earbuds apply pressure and can worsen pain. Over-ear or on-ear headphones are safer options that dont enter the canal.
Take these precautions when using headphones with an ear infection:
- Use over-ear rather than earbud-style headphones
- Keep volume low to avoid straining inflamed tissue
- Limit headphone use to avoid overheating the ear
- Clean headphones regularly to prevent reinfection
- Stop use if you experience increased pain or discomfort
If possible, opt for speakers instead until the infection clears. But larger headphones can provide entertainment without aggravating symptoms if used cautiously.
Choosing the Best Headphones for Ear Infections
These features make headphones most comfortable and safe to use with an ear infection:
Over-Ear Design
Over-ear, circumaural headphones that surround but don't enter the ear canal are ideal during infections. They prevent pressure on the outer ear.
Padded Earcups
Cushioned padding along the earcups and headband prevents excessive pressure on infected ears. Protein leather or velour padding offers softness.
Adjustable Fit
Look for headphones with adjustable height and swiveling earcups to customize the angle and fit. This alleviates pressure on sore ear areas.
Lightweight
Heavy headphones can strain inflamed ears. Seek lightweight models, ideally under 0.5 pounds.
Noise-Canceling
Noise-canceling technology allows you to listen at lower volumes by blocking ambient noise. This reduces strain on the infected ear.
Wireless
Wireless Bluetooth headphones prevent tugging on the ear from wires. They also give you more freedom to readjust as needed.
Best Headphone Options for Ear Infections
Here are some top-rated headphone models that are comfortable, adjustable, and ideal for listening with an ear infection:
Bose QuietComfort 45
- Over-ear noise-canceling model
- Very lightweight at just 0.49 pounds
- Plush synthetic protein leather on earcups
- Volume-optimized Active EQ for low listening levels
Beats Studio3
- On-ear soft earcups with cushioning
- Foldable and adjustable with swiveling earcups
- Advanced noise-canceling technology
- Up to 22 hours battery life when wireless
COWIN E9
- Budget-friendly noise-canceling over-ear model
- Super soft protein earpads
- Rotating and stretchable headband
- Wired option doesn't require charging
Philips SHP9600
- Open-back over-ear design prevents heat buildup
- Breathable mesh padding for cushioning
- Comfortable self-adjusting headband
- Detachable cable for wired or wireless use
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
- Lightweight over-ear with memory foam earcups
- Customizable noise cancellation
- Adjustable headband for ideal fit
- 40+ hour battery life when wireless
Caring for Headphones During Ear Infections
Practice good headphone hygiene during an ear infection to avoid reinfection or spreading bacteria:
- Wash hands before and after headphone use
- Sanitize headphones regularly with disinfectant wipes
- Replace earpads if they become difficult to clean
- Don't share headphones with others when infected
- Let headphones air dry after cleaning, don't wear until dry
Also be sure to keep ears clean by gently wiping the outer area with a warm, damp cloth. Never insert cotton swabs or other objects into the infected ear canal.
When to See a Doctor About an Ear Infection
Consult your doctor if you experience:
- Ear pain that persists more than 1-2 days
- Drainage from the ear
- Decreased hearing or ringing in the ear
- Fever higher than 101F
- Headaches, dizziness, or confusion
- Swelling behind or around the ear
Infants and toddlers with ear infections may tug at their ear or have trouble sleeping. Seek medical attention if symptoms dont improve within 24-48 hours or get worse.
Types of Medication for Ear Infections
Doctors may prescribe:
- Antibiotics - Used for bacterial infections to stop spread and relieve symptoms.
- Oral steroids - Reduce swelling and pressure in the ear canal.
- Analgesics - Over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen.
- Antipyrine/benzocaine ear drops - Relieve ear pain and decrease inflammation.
- Decongestants - Help drain fluid from the Eustachian tubes.
Take medications only as directed. Pain relievers can help manage discomfort while antibiotics clear up underlying infection.
Home Remedies for Ear Infection Pain and Pressure
These home treatments may help provide relief without medication:
Heat Therapy
Place a warm washcloth or heating pad over the affected ear. The heat helps ease pain and draw the infection to the surface.
Cold Compress
A cold pack or ice wrapped in a towel can reduce inflammation and swelling around the ear.
Stay Hydrated
Drink extra water and non-caffeinated fluids to keep nasal passages moisturized and promote drainage.
Apply Essential Oils
Oils like lavender oil, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil have anti-inflammatory effects when applied behind the ears.
Elevate Your Head
Sleep with your head elevated on a pile of pillows to promote drainage from the eustachian tubes.
Rinse with Saline
Salt water rinses may provide some relief by cleansing the ear canal of discharge.
Take OTC Pain Relievers
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can temporarily alleviate achiness from the pressure.
Preventing Future Ear Infections
You can reduce your risk of recurrent ear infections by:
- Getting annual flu and pneumonia vaccinations
- Washing hands frequently and disinfecting shared surfaces
- Avoiding secondhand smoke, which can impact eustachian tubes
- Treating sinus congestion and allergies promptly
- Drying ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing
- Removing earwax carefully to avoid damage
If ear infections persist, discuss preventative options with your doctor like ear tubes or adenoidectomy surgery.
When to Resume Use of Earbud Headphones
It's safest to wait until your ear infection has fully cleared before inserting earbuds again. Your doctor can examine your ears and let you know when its okay to resume use of in-ear headphones. Typically youll need to wait for:
- Ear pain and pressure to resolve
- Inflammation and swelling to go down
- Any discharge or pus drainage to clear up
- Hearing to return to normal
This can take 1-2 weeks depending on severity. Over-ear headphones are best while any symptoms remain. Return to earbuds gradually and discontinue use if irritation returns.
Enjoying Music While Protecting Your Ears
Listening to music and podcasts shouldnt have to stop just because of an ear infection. By choosing comfortable over-ear headphones and keeping volume low, you can enjoy your favorite audio without aggravating symptoms. Prioritize allowing your ears time to heal above listening. With some care, youll be rocking out to your playlists again before you know it.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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