A rainy afternoon feels incomplete without our favourite playlist humming in the background. But, as soothing as this ritual feels, doctors caution that pairing rain with earphones could be a recipe for painful ear infections.
According to Dr Meena Agrawal, Hon. Senior Consultant (ENT) at PSRI Hospital, the risk of ear infections goes up almost four times during the monsoon when earphones are in regular use. Speaking to The Indian Express, she explained, “During the monsoon, the most common ear infection is otitis externa, or otomycosis, which is a fungal infection. It usually happens when moisture gets trapped in the ear canal, allowing bacteria or fungi to grow.”
Why earphones and moisture make a risky combination
Rainy weather means more humidity in the air. The ear canal, already a delicate space, becomes more prone to dampness. Now, when earphones, especially in-ear buds, are plugged in, the airflow is blocked. This creates the perfect warm and moist environment where germs thrive, turning a simple habit into a health hazard.
Over-the-ear headphones fare slightly better, as Dr Agrawal notes, but they too carry risks if used for long stretches in damp conditions.
The material of earphones matters more than expected
Not all earphones are created equal. Low-quality ones, which are generally made from cheap plastics, can leach toxins into the ear canal. Tiny cracks in these earphones may also harbour germs, making matters worse. Hygiene becomes crucial here; earphones that aren’t cleaned regularly become breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi, directly putting ear health in danger.

Symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored
The tricky part about ear infections is that they don’t always shout their presence right away. It may begin with a simple itch or a feeling of fullness in the ear. Soon, this could progress to pain, discharge, or even temporary hearing loss.
“These are warning signs,” Dr Agrawal explains. If left untreated, the infection could worsen and even affect hearing in the long run. That makes early detection and timely treatment absolutely critical.
Simple steps to stay safe this monsoon
Prevention remains the easiest cure. Limiting the use of in-ear buds during the monsoon, keeping ears dry, and cleaning earphones regularly can go a long way in reducing risk. Dr Agrawal also suggests using earbud dehydrators and avoiding the sharing of earphones altogether, as this can transfer bacteria or fungi.
If symptoms arise, timely consultation with a doctor ensures infections don’t escalate into more serious problems. The good news is that with quick treatment, including antifungal or antibiotic drops, recovery is usually smooth and complete.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. If any symptoms of ear infection are noticed, it is important to consult a qualified doctor immediately.