Most people know it is unhygienic to share their earplugs and headphones, but a recent study has highlighted how dangerous this could actually be.

Kelly Reynolds PhD, associate professor at environmental health at the University of Arizona, recently told Buzzfeed US that earphones are a haven for bacteria.

She said: “Studies have shown that earbuds cause an 11-fold increase in bacteria in the ears. When you share headphones, you’re doubling the microbial flora in your ears and introducing new bacteria.”

This is because the earwax from your ear seeps out on to the headphones, with this substance being full of bacteria. As earplugs trap the wax, it provides the perfect environment for germs to thrive, as it makes the ear warm and moist, Good To Know reported.

Another reason why there is a bacteria build-up on earphones is that they are often left in unhygienic places, from desks to sports bags. Therefore, they are prone to picking up other bugs, as well as holding bacteria from the earwax itself.

If you then share the headpieces, you can spread these bacteria, which could lead to ear infections, fungus, spots and blackheads.

Reynolds reminded people who are inclined to share their earphones to disinfect them regularly, cleaning any wax away first, before wiping them with a cotton ball that has disinfecting spray or alcohol on.

Frequently wearing these listening devices can actually exacerbate the problem of wax build-up, as they block the normal path of the wax and do not allow it to exit the ear, causing it to become impacted.

For earwax removal in South Tyneside to get rid of bacteria build-up, contact North East Ear Clinic today.