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Enjoying the rains with a steaming cup of chai, crispy pakodas, and your favourite song playing on loop in your earphones sounds like the perfect monsoon ritual. But this seemingly harmless habit, that millions of us turn to, might lead to painful ear infections.
Dr Meena Agrawal, Hon. Senior Consultant (ENT) at PSRI Hospital, warns that the rainy season brings more than just water-borne diseases. It significantly increases the risk of ear infections, which quadruple when using earphones.
“During the monsoon, the most common ear infection is otitis externa — or otomycosis, which is a fungal infection,” says Dr Agrawal, adding that it usually happens when moisture gets trapped in the ear canal, allowing bacteria or fungi to grow. “People prone to frequent colds or allergies may also experience middle ear infections,” she continues.
Earphones block airflow in the ear canal and don’t allow the lateral migration of the skin lining, creating a warm and moist environment where germs thrive. “In-ear types sit directly inside the canal, trapping moisture and cutting off ventilation,” explains Dr Agrawal. “On the other hand, over-the-ear headphones are slightly safer as they don’t block the canal completely.”
The extent of infection varies with the kind of material used. For instance, cheap earphones made from low-quality plastics are extremely dangerous as they can sometimes leach toxins into the canal or even harbour infectious germs in their cracks. Another notable factor is hygiene; if the earphones aren’t cleaned properly, they can cause irritation or support microbial growth.”
While it is tricky to catch these infections early, there are a few tell symptoms to keep an eye on. The infections often start with itching or a feeling of fullness in the ear, followed by mild pain, ear discharge, or temporary hearing loss. “These are warning signs,” says Dr Agrawal. “If left untreated, the infection can worsen and affect hearing.”
If you encounter any of these symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor and get a physical examination to check for swelling, redness, fluid buildup, or discharge. “We look for any blockage, inflammation, and changes in hearing,” Dr Agrawal shares.
Treatment often includes keeping the ear dry, prescribed antibiotic or antifungal drops, and oral medications in more severe cases. Pain relief may also be recommended based on individual symptoms.
To reduce risk, Dr. Agrawal advises being cautious with headphone use during the monsoon. “I recommend limiting in-ear buds during this season, keeping ears dry, and cleaning earphones regularly,” she says.
“Using earbud dehydrators can also help. And definitely avoid sharing earphones — that can transfer bacteria or fungi between users.”
If infections are ignored, fluid buildup or inflammation may even lead to temporary hearing loss. Fortunately, it’s reversible with timely treatment — but prevention is always better, especially when something as small as a damp earbud could trigger a painful outcome.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
