Infections caused by headphones sharing with their treatment
Headphones are now all rage among music lovers all over the world. These devices are being preferred over ear phones as they provide better acoustics. Many young people who love music often share their headphones with others.
This is because they want their friends and family in a bid to listen to their favorite music. Although headphone sharing can seem to be an innocent thing it does cause health issues.
Common infections caused by headphone sharing and treatment options
Headphones are often shared between peers, friends and family members. Users are unaware of the health issues that arise from sharing headphones. Headphones like earphones carry different bacteria and microorganisms on them.
These can cause different infections and health issues among the users. Headphones accumulate sweat, dirt, dust, ear wax, and moisture. This is because headphones cover the ears of the user and often touch the hair of the user.
This prolonged contact makes the headphone vulnerable to bacteria, mites and fungus. Headphones which are not stored properly will collect moisture, dirt and dust. The user’s sweat and ear wax also end up on their headphones.
The headphones can easily become breeding grounds for different kinds of bacteria and fungi. Headphone sharing can also easily transfer different types of mites from one user to another.
These different microorganisms and bacteria on the headphones can cause rashes and illness in the user’s ear.
1. Scabies
Scabies is a skin condition that is caused by mites. This disease spreads from one person to another through shared devices like headphones. Scabies mites lay eggs in the top layer of the infected person’s skin. These eggs hatch and develop into mites which continue to affect the infected person. Infected people develop severe itching at night and have blisters on their skin.
A picture of crusted scabies
Symptoms
People infected with scabies experience severe itching at night. Their skin breaks out into blisters which look similar to pimples. The blisters usually have a clear top which is filled with fluid.
Red rashes on the skin are also a common symptom of scabies. These rashes and blisters often appear in a row on the infected skin. Another symptom of scabies is the appearance of gray lines with red bumps on the skin.
Treatment:
Popular medications for scabies are Permethrin cream and Malathion lotion. Both these medicines contain insecticides which can kill the scabies mites effectively.
Doctors prescribe Permethrin cream 5% first and observe its effectiveness. If scabies is still prevalent then Malathion lotion0.5% is prescribed.
Scabies treatment can take up to 4 weeks for complete elimination of the mites. Users often have severe rash and itching during the first week of treatment.
Scabies treatment makes the infection worse in the first week before curing it. People who have rashes after 4 weeks of treatment are still infected with scabies.
Home remedies for scabies:
- Clove Oil – The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of clove oil helps to get rid of scabies mites. Mix clove oil with coconut oil and apply it onto the skin. Leave this mixture on for a couple of hours before taking a bath for an effective treatment.
- Turmeric – Turmeric can provide instant relief from itching caused due to scabies. Mix in turmeric with neem oil as it has anti-bacterial properties in it. Apply this mixture on the skin regularly for a couple of weeks to get relief from scabies.
2. Head Lice
The spread of head lice becomes easy due to sharing of wearable devices like headphones. This is because headphones remain in close contact with the user’s hair and neck. The lice nits can be transmitted from one person to another by headphone sharing.
Symptoms
Lice infestation causes itching on the scalp of the infected person. The appearance of blisters and rashes on the neck or behind the ears are also symptoms of lice.
Treatment
Lice can be effectively treated with medicated shampoos that eliminate them. These shampoos are easily available in major stores and medical stores. The infected person should use the shampoo as directed for faster results.
If the lice are not completely eliminated then doctors prescribe Permethrin lotion 1%. This lotion will help to eliminate head lice and nits from the infected scalp.
Home remedies for head lice:
- Wash all towels, clothes, bed covers and pillow cases in hot water to prevent the spread of nits and lice.
- Wash all combs thoroughly with hot water and medicated shampoo to remove lice and nits.
- Mix in 1/4 cup of salt to 1/4 cup of vinegar and spray it on the scalp and hair. Leave this mixture on for a couple of hours before taking a shower. This treatment needs to be repeated every 3 days to eliminate head lice completely.
- Using a fine comb and running it over wet hair helps to bring out the adult lice.
3. Ear infections
Each person carries different types of bacteria in their ears. The bacteria do not cause illness in the host but they can cause infections when transmitted. The most common type of infection caused due to headphone sharing is ear infection. Headphone sharing spreads bacteria and virus from one person to another.
Ear infection picture
Symptoms
People affected with ear infection often experience pain in their ears and pus discharge. This is caused due to the buildup of bacteria and virus inside their ear. Other symptoms include nausea, loss of balance and a feeling of fullness inside the ear.
Treatment
Ear infection can be treated by using prescribed ear drops. It is important to consult a doctor to avoid the spread of infection into the nasal cavity. Ibuprofen is also prescribed by doctors to help in pain management and to bring down any fever.
Home remedies for ear infection:
- Applying a warm cloth over the infected ear will help to relieve the pain caused by infection.
- Ear infections often go away on their own naturally. It is important to let the ear heal on its own before trying home remedies. Putting oils or any other home medications into the ear can become harmful and should be avoided.
Fungal ear infections
Improper storage of headphones can make them a breeding ground for fungi. Headphone users often carry their headphones in their bags or around their necks. The headphones are left outside and not covered when they are not being used. As a result, dust and dirt accumulate on the headphones.
Sweat and moisture on the headphones creates a good environment for fungal growth. Headphone sharing causes the spread of fungal infections between the users.
Symptoms
Fungal infection in the ear can be diagnosed by flaking skin, itching and swelling. Infected people also experience hearing loss and ringing in their ears. These symptoms are often misdiagnosed as deafness or tinnitus. A smelly thick discharge from the ear is a sure sign of fungal infection.
Treatment
Fungal ear infections can be treated with anti-fungal ear drops. These ear drops should be used 3 to 4 times a day for a week to get relief.
Home remedies for fungal ear infection:
- Put the lowest setting on your hair dryer and place it at a comfortable distance from your infected ear. The warm air will help to dry our any moisture from inside the ear. This will prevent the growth of fungi in the ear and will help to clear out the infection.
- Put 2 or 3 drops of hydrogen peroxide into your infected ear with a dropper. After allowing the solution to sit for 5 minutes tilt your head to drain it out. Hydrogen peroxide will help to soften hardened debris in the infected ear. This debris can be easily removed with a Q-tip to prevent further infection.
Tips to prevent spread of infections caused by headphone sharing
There is a steady rise in the spread of bacterial and fungal infections. These infections are common among people who share their headphones with others. It is recommended to avoid sharing your headphones to stop the spread of infections. Some hygienic practices that should be followed to keep headphones clean are
- Most headphones are not cleaned regularly by the users. This negligence leads to the buildup of bacteria which can cause infections. Clean the surface of the headphones with anti-bacterial wipes to prevent microbe growth.
- If you are sharing your headphone with others then it is a good idea to use disposable covers. These sanitary covers help to eliminate the spread of infections among users.
- Store the headphones in a clean and closed space when they are not being used.
- If you have to share your headphone then it is a good idea to limit the number of people. The risk of infections and spread of bacteria decreases when only few people use it.
- The presence of moisture turns headphones into a breeding ground for bacteria growth. Avoid using headphones when you are working out to prevent sweat from accumulating on it. If you notice any moisture then immediately wipe down the headphones to dry them out.
If you want to buy a pair of safe headphones, then below is our list of recommendations based on quality, price and users’ feedback
For more information about noise cancelling headphones and headphones in general you might want to have a look at our list of e-books below
- Your health and headphones
- The In and out of anti-noise headphones
- Evolution of headphones technology
Related articles
Are noise cancelling headphones safe or dangerous?
Are noise cancelling headphones worth it?
Do noise cancelling headphones cause headache. Find out today
Do noise cancelling headphones damage ears and hearing?
High quality cheap noise cancelling headphones
These are major reasons why you need noise cancellation
This is why noise you need noise cancelling headphones when commuting
This is why you need noise cancelling headphones when in stadiums
This is why you need noise cancelling headphones when in the club
Top reasons why you need noise cancelling headphones when flying
Types of noise cancellation and why you need noise cancellation
What are noise cancelling headphones and how they work
The hidden truth behind noise cancelling headphones and vertigo
The shocking truth behind noise cancelling headphones and tinnitus
Five major reasons why you need noise cancelling headphones when meditating
Best noise cancelling headphones
Paww wave sound 3 active noise cancelling headphones review
Reasons why noise cancelling headphones are unavoidable when in the market
Sennheiser hd1 noise cancelling headphones review
Sensitive features to check before buying noise cancelling headphones
Sony wh1000 xm2 noise cancelling headphones review
Tao tronics active noise cancelling headphones review
The amazing science behind sound and music every headphones owner must know
The best headphones manufacturing companies and brands
The cause of hissing sound in headphones and how to correct it
The difference between wired and wireless headphones
The effects of dust to headphones you didn’t know
The history of headphones
The magic behind headphones wireless transmission technologies
The reasons behind the interference in wireless headphones
The science behind wiring system of headphones
The source and history of the word headphones
The theory behind how headphones work
Bose qc 35 noise cancelling headphones review
Components of headphones
Cowin e7 wireless active noise cancelling headphones review
Devastating side effects of high sound intensity to a human ear every headphone user must know
Discover the smartest way to keep your headphones clean and free from germs
Effects of water or sweat on headphones
Serious infections caused by sharing headphones everyone should be aware of