Today’s blog has to do with your best “buds.” This is information that you are probably already aware of. I’m reliant on my best “buds” for communication, relaxation, education and sanity, however they could be the source of something sinister. It has nothing to do with your BFF and even less to do with diagnostic ultrasound. I am referring to your earbuds.
WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?
We rely on our earbuds to communicate hands free, hear music, podcasts etc. So, what’s the problem? The problem is that earbuds can trap dirt, sweat and moisture in your ears and expose you to “cooties.” They can irritate the ear’s thin delicate skin making it more prone to infection as well as emitting low levels of electromagnetic fields right next to your brain.
I’M NO EXPERT
Let me clarify, I’m no expert. The tidbits I include in my blogs come from random inspiration and research I hope you will find useful. I read an article on “Cardiac ear” that I found interesting. It has nothing to do with your heart and everything to do with your ears. It is called cardiac ear because most people get it from their earbuds while sweating during exercise. Who knew?
EEEOOOWWW!
Jamming earbuds in our ears can push foreign matter in deeper. This can form a large plug of earwax causing trauma and ear pain, not to mention leaving your ears vulnerable to infection. As if that weren’t enough, the main issue with earbuds is that they blast music or voices directly into your ear canals. Over a period of time, you too can become hard of hearing…whaaaat?
NO SHARING ALLOWED
This could go without saying but, don’t share earbuds. Sharing can introduce new bacteria into your ears (as if your own isn’t bad enough) doubling the microbial flora in our ears. Most bacteria is harmless but infection risk, fungus, rashes, allergic reactions and other unpleasantries do increase when you share.
JUDGEMENT FREE ZONE
Rest assured, there is no judgement here. Most people don’t clean their earbuds which is why I thought this was great blog material. The easiest way is to wipe them off with alcohol or a Clorox wipe. You can also remove the silicone bud and soak it is warm soapy water. That being said, perhaps you should give your ears a vacation when possible. The less time you have without earbuds jammed in your ears reduces the risk of damage. The American Cancer Society acknowledged that Bluetooth earpieces like Air Pods emit radiofrequency radiation and the possible health effect from these devices cannot be ruled out completely. The society said it has no official position on whether radiofrequency radiation can cause cancer. This is a hot topic so I encourage you to do your own research on this matter.
HDD
Ear infection, dirty Air pods and electromagnetic field are clearly not in our wheelhouse, however diagnostic ultrasound is. If we can help, call 505-350-3397.