Earphones and headphones are used daily for various purposes, but both have their pros and cons. Here is a comparison of the two to determine which is better for ear health. Tap to read!
Volume
People tend to use headphones with low volume, whereas they turn up the volume with earphones, making it bad for ear health.
Infection
Earphones may have an increased risk of infections compared to headphones, as they enter the ear canal, increasing moisture and bacterial buildup.
Hygiene
Headphones don’t require regular cleaning since they don't enter the ear canal, whereas earphones should be cleaned regularly to avoid the risk of infections.
Stability
The earphones stay in place, whereas the headphones may slip during physical activity. However, some earphones are specifically designed for sports with sweat resistance.
Comfort
Compared to earphones, headphones are often more comfortable for extended use, as earphones can cause discomfort and may overheat over time.
Outer Ear Irritation
Headphones can irritate the outer ear due to prolonged use or sweat, whereas earphones don’t cover the whole ear and have a lower risk of outer ear irritation.
Earwax
With headphones, there is less chance of earwax being pushed into the ear canal. However, earphones can push the earwax deep into the ear canal, causing blockage.
Which is Better?
Headphones and earphones each have their advantages. However, headphones have more potential for better ear health.
Information Credits
According to the Hearing Health Foundation, it is advisable to use headphones instead of earphones, as they provide better ear health.