Why do my Bluetooth Earbuds Make My Ears Itch? (Solved!)

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Do you ever find yourself scratching your ears after wearing Bluetooth earbuds for more than an hour? In this article, I discuss some of the reasons why my Bluetooth earbuds make my ears itch, and how you can prevent it.

Among the common reasons why people experience itchiness after wearing Bluetooth earbuds are skin allergies, ear infections, dry ears, and your earbuds being too large for your ears.

Below, I dive deeper into this topic and give you more reasons why your ears may be itching, as well as some solutions to help you get relief.

Why do my Bluetooth Earbuds Make My Ears Itch
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Top 8 Reasons Why Bluetooth Earbuds Make Your Ears Itch

Here are the most common reasons why your ears may itch after wearing Bluetooth earbuds:

1. The Bluetooth earbuds are too large for your ears

This is among the common reasons why people experience itchiness after wearing Bluetooth earbuds. If the earbuds are not a good fit for your ears, they may cause discomfort and itchiness.

Solution: Make sure that you purchase Bluetooth earbuds that are the correct size for your ears. In addition, make sure to read the reviews before purchasing so you can see what other customers had to say about the size of the earbuds.

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2. You have an allergic reaction

You may be having an allergic reaction to your earbuds. If you have never experienced any allergies before, it is possible that the material used to make them could be triggering an allergic reaction in your ears.

Solution: Make sure that you purchase a pair of Bluetooth earbuds made from hypoallergenic materials such as silicone or rubber among others. Some people may find comfort with silicone earbuds because they are soft and flexible, which may help reduce the itching that you experience.

3. Your ears are dry or have a build-up of wax in them

Another common reason why your ears itch after wearing Bluetooth earphones is if they contain dryness or a lot of built-up wax. If this is happening, it is likely that the earbuds are rubbing against these areas and irritating them, which in turn causes you to itch.

Solution: Make sure to keep your ears dry by using a quality moisturizer after each shower. In addition, use a q-tip every other day to clean out any wax build-up that you may have.

Why do my Bluetooth Earbuds Make My Ears Itch

4. You place the Bluetooth earbuds too deep into your ears

Another common reason why people experience itchiness after wearing Bluetooth earbuds is that they place them too deep into their ears. If you notice that the itching is more severe when you are listening to music, it may be a sign that your earbuds are placed in deeper than needed.

Solution: Make sure that do not put the earphones in too deep into your ears. In addition, if you are experiencing a lot of itching, try to take them out and give your ears a break. This will help reduce any irritation that may be caused by the earbuds.

5. The Bluetooth earphones are not cleaned properly

If you do not clean your Bluetooth earphones regularly, it is possible for bacteria and other dirt to accumulate on them. This can cause your ears to itch as you are wearing them.

Solution: Make sure that you clean your earphones with a disinfectant every week. In addition, do not forget to clean the charging port and the control buttons using a cotton swab. By doing this, you will help reduce any bacteria or dirt that may be causing your ears to itch.

6. You are using your Bluetooth earbuds for too long

When you use your earbuds for too long at a time before taking them out and giving your ears a break, it is possible for the sweat and oils to accumulate. This can cause itchiness and even infection if not cleaned properly.

Also, having them in the ears for too long can start irritating the skin which will cause you to itch.

Solution: Make sure that you give your ears a break every hour by taking the earbuds out and rotating them to the other side. In addition, make sure to clean them properly after each use. This way, you can help reduce any irritation or build-up of sweat and oils.

7. You may have an ear infection

Ear infections are a common problem, and if you are experiencing itchiness in your ears after using Bluetooth earphones it may be a sign that you have one.

Some of the common ear infections include the following:

Acute otitis externa or swimmer’s ear: This is commonly caused by bacterial infections, which can be effectively treated with antibiotics and other medications. You may find that you are more prone to have an infection if your ears have been irritated in the past due to wearing Bluetooth earphones for too long without cleaning them properly.

Acute otitis media: This is caused by bacteria or viruses and can be treated with antibiotics and other medications. It usually affects children, but adults may also suffer from it as well if they have a weakened immune system due to conditions such as diabetes among others.

Otalgia: If you are experiencing severe ear pain after wearing your Bluetooth earphones, it may be a sign that you have otalgia or ear pain. This condition is usually caused by an infection, but can also be due to other factors such as wax build-up, allergies, and even stress.

Solution: If you are experiencing severe itchiness in your ears after using Bluetooth earphones, it is best to consult with your doctor to determine if you have an ear infection.

8. You may have a skin condition

Skin conditions such as contact dermatitis and eczema are known to cause itchiness in various parts of the body, and your ears may be one of them. Wearing earbuds can exacerbate these conditions in your ears, which will only make the itching worse.

Solution: If you are experiencing itchiness in your ears after using Bluetooth earphones and have a skin condition, it may be best to consult with your doctor for further treatment options.

How to Prevent Ear Itchiness When Using Bluetooth Earbuds

  • Clean the earbuds regularly

You want to make sure to clean the earbuds regularly with a disinfectant to help reduce any bacteria or dirt that may be causing your ears to itch.

  • Take a break every hour

Make sure to give your ears a break every hour by taking the earbuds out and rotating them to the other side. This will help reduce any irritation or build-up of sweat and oils.

  • Clean your ears often, but don’t overdo it

It is important that you keep your ears clean after each use of the Bluetooth earbuds to reduce any irritation and help treat an infection. However, make sure not to overdo it because this can irritate your ears even more.

  • Wear them properly or get a better fitting pair

Be sure to get the right size of earbuds for your ears and wear them properly to avoid any irritation. If the earbuds are too tight or loose, it can cause discomfort and itchiness.

Can Bluetooth Cause Other Ear Problems Apart From Itching?

If you misuse or listen to the earbuds at high volumes for a long time, then chances are that you will experience ear problems such as tinnitus.

Tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying condition, but can also be caused by exposure to high volumes, which may lead to permanent damage to your ears. If left untreated for too long, it may cause further complications like depression and anxiety among others.

Continued itchiness can also lead to a skin infection. If the itchiness is left untreated, it can lead to a skin infection which will only make the situation worse. It is important that you seek medical attention if you are experiencing severe itchiness in your ears after using Bluetooth earphones.

Also, your earbuds can exacerbate an underlying skin condition, which will only make the itching worse. If you are experiencing itchiness in your ears after using Bluetooth earphones and have a skin condition such as contact dermatitis or eczema, it may be best to consult with your doctor for further treatment options.

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The Best Way to Use Bluetooth Earbuds

One of the best ways to use Bluetooth earbuds is by not putting them on for more than 90 minutes at a time. Any longer than that and you risk damaging your ears.

If possible, give your ears a break every hour by taking the earbuds out of one ear for about 30 seconds to help prevent any irritation or build-up of sweat and oils caused by wearing them too long at once.

Also, use them at no more than 80% of their total noise level. Listening to them at a high volume for too long can also cause damage to your ears over time.

Final Thoughts

There are many reasons your ears may start itching after using Bluetooth earbuds. If you experience severe itchiness in your ears after using the headphones, it is important that consult with a doctor to determine if there are any underlying causes.


Espen is the Director of ProPairing

Espen

Espen is the Director of ProPairing and has written extensively about Bluetooth devices for years. He is a consumer product expert and has personally tested Bluetooth devices for the last decade.


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