VIDEO: Viewers disgusted after seeing how gross earphones are

VIDEO: Viewers disgusted after seeing how gross earphones are

Have you ever considered how dirty your earphones might be?

Dirty earphones
iStock

Just in case you didn't have enough to worry about today, here is something else you probably never thought twice about but will now be freaked out by.

Most people own some sort of headphones or earphones.

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Whether you are listening to music in the gym or jumping on a call, accessories like AirPods and Beats have made life much easier.

Not only are they useful and convenient, but they can also be stylish.

Headphones are usually worn on top of or around the ears, while earphones are meant to be placed within the ear canal.

Something most earphone users have not considered is the health implications these devices can have.

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We all know we should keep the volume to a minimum while using earphones and headphones, but what about bacteria?

Of course, it's common to see a little bit of earwax sitting on your earphones, so clean it off.

But you might not be cleaning your earphones well enough.

Popular YouTube channel Zack D. Films uploaded a video showing exactly how bacteria can flourish in the ear canal when using earphones.

The channel specialises in educational, historical, and interesting content, but can earphones truly pose such a risk to our ear health?

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An article published in the Online Journal of Health and Allied Sciences reported that their study found that "Frequent and constant use of earphones increases the bacterial growth in the ear and sharing of earphones might be a potential vector of commensals. It is therefore, always better not to share or else to clean the earphones before sharing."

Watch the video to see how wearing earphones can affect your ears:

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https://www.jacarandafm.com/shows/drive/video-woman-surprised-shocking-r580-restaurant-charge/

It might seem scary, but it can be avoided by properly cleaning your devices.

Here are tips on how to clean your earphones:

  • Hold the earbud and use a small dab of water on a lint-free cloth to wipe the entire exterior. Do not get water into any openings. Use another cloth to dry.
  • Earbud tips and stability bands should be detached and washed in water with a small amount of detergent. Must be completely dry before reattaching.
  • Earbud nozzle should be gently wiped with a soft, dry cotton swab. Do not insert cleaning tools into the nozzle.
  • Be sure to also clean your earphone cases regularly. Wipe the exterior with a lint-free cloth.
  • To remove earwax and dust use a cotton swab to remove it. Be careful not to damage any parts. A piece of tape or putty can help reach those more difficult spots.

Tune in to 'The Drive with Rob & Roz', on weekdays from 16:00 - 19:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.

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Main image courtesy of iStock

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