Earbuds vs. Headphones: Ear Doctors Reveal Which Is Safer

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Whether it’s for commuting, exercising, or a little background enjoyment while you work, headphones and earbuds have become nearly as essential to our daily routines as the smartphones they often connect to. But if you’ve ever wondered if one is better than the other when it comes to your health, experts weigh in with a resounding yes. Some sources suggest that these devices can harbor bacteria levels up to 2,700 times greater than those found on an average cutting board and 330 times more than on a kitchen countertop. Maybe it’s no wonder some doctors are saying ear infections have increased in the past couple years.

Ahead, we share insights from audiologists and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) MDs to uncover critical health differences between earbuds and headphones—and whether there is a cleaner, safer choice for your unique ears.

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Earbuds vs. headphones: Which is more sanitary?

The level of sanitation between earbuds and headphones largely depends on their design and how they are used. Earbuds, which are inserted directly into the ear canal, create an enclosed environment that can foster bacterial growth and facilitate the transfer of microbes. Katie Dease, AuD, an audiologist with the Mayo Clinic, notes that earbuds contaminated with bacteria can introduce these organisms into the ear, potentially leading to infections like swimmer’s ear.

Headphones, on the other hand, rest on the outer ear and do not penetrate as deeply, reducing direct contact with the sensitive inner ear areas. However, this does not automatically make headphones a more sanitary option. Both devices collect sweat, skin cells, and sebum. The key to maintaining hygiene with either device is regular cleaning with appropriate solutions—alcohol wipes are a good option—and keeping them dry and stored properly when not in use.

Also, you should never share your earbuds with anyone. “You are introducing new and more numerous amounts of bacteria into your ear,” says Abbas Anwar, MD, board-certified otolaryngologist at Pacific Neuroscience Institute. “Also,” Dr. Anwar adds, “you probably don’t know if your friend has kept their earbuds clean. They can pick up all sorts of bacteria from different surfaces such as tables and purses, and these new ‘foreign’ bacteria can lead to infections in your ear.”

Earbuds vs. headphones: Which is more damaging to your hearing?

Regarding potential damage to our ears, both devices carry risks if not used properly. The most significant concern is noise-induced hearing loss, which can occur from listening to loud volumes for prolonged periods. This danger is due to the damage to the tiny hairs in the inner ear, which are crucial for hearing. “They don’t regenerate. So you want to hang on to every little hair cell in the inner ear you can,” explains Colin Driscoll, MD, board-certified otolaryngologist, subspecialty certification in neurotology, and current chair of the department of otolaryngology at the Mayo Clinic.

Earbuds are particularly concerning because they deliver sound directly into the ear canal, intensifying the sound pressure. In contrast, headphones spread the sound more externally, potentially reducing the direct pressure on the eardrum. However, both devices should be used responsibly—this means keeping the volume at an appropriate level and taking regular breaks to give your ears time to recover.

Safe listening includes factoring in decibels and time. The higher the decibels, the less time you can listen safely at that level. “Listening at 80% volume for a maximum of 90 minutes at a time is the general rule of thumb,” advises Sharon Sandridge, PhD, audiologist and emeritus staff at the Cleveland Clinic. “It really is an inverse relationship between how long and how loud. If you are listening for over 90 minutes, the volume should be reduced so that the longer you listen, the lower the volume.” She also notes that if someone standing an arm’s length away can hear the music from your headphones or earbuds, or if you have to raise your voice to speak while listening, the volume is too loud.

Another expert suggestion is to follow what some experts call the “60/60” rule: Use earbuds for no more than 60 minutes at a time and keep the volume under 60% of the maximum. After that, take at least a 60-minute break before using them again.

Earbuds vs. headphones: Which is better for working out?

Choosing the right audio equipment for workouts is crucial for those leading active lifestyles. Here, earbuds often have the upper hand: Many are specifically designed for exercise, offering features like sweat resistance and a secure fit that can handle vigorous movement without falling out.

While headphones sometimes offer better sound quality and battery life, they can be bulky and less resistant to heavy sweat. They might also not stay securely in place during high-impact activities like running or jumping.

Dr. Sandridge points out an important safety concern regarding isolating earbuds: These devices come with rubber tips that seal off the ear canal, offering excellent sound isolation. However, this isolation can become a hazard for runners or cyclists who must remain aware of their surroundings.

Earbuds vs. headphones: Which causes earwax build-up?

Both earbuds and headphones can contribute to earwax build-up, but earbuds are particularly problematic because they are inserted into the ear canal. Brian Taylor, AuD, an audiologist and senior director of audiology at Signia, explains: “Individuals that regularly use earbuds tend to have increased issues with occlusive wax build-up because of frequent earbud insertion, increasing the chances of pushing wax deeper into the canal.”

For those experiencing wax occlusion due to earbuds, Dr. Taylor recommends switching to circum-aural headphones. These headphones envelop the ears rather than entering the ear canal, which minimizes pressure on the ear canal and decreases the risk of wax impaction.

Is it safe to wear noise-canceling earbuds or headphones all day?

While noise-canceling earbuds and headphones are great for minimizing background noise and improving focus and relaxation, wearing them for too long at high volumes can strain your ears and may cause long-term hearing damage. Additionally, wearing these devices for prolonged periods can trap moisture in the ears, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.

Taking regular breaks, limiting high-volume listening, and maintaining good hygiene with noise-canceling devices is important. This not only protects your ear’s health, but can also prolong the period of time your headphones or earbuds will stay functional.

For the latest health research and answers to common health curiosities delivered to you daily, get The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

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