J Audiol Otol.  2025 Apr;29(2):103-109. 10.7874/jao.2024.00192.

Ear Symptoms and Earphone Usage: A Web-Based Survey Study

• Kim GY
• Jo M
• Cho YS
• Moon IJ

• KMID: 2566842
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7874/jao.2024.00192

Abstract

Background and Objectives
This study aimed to investigate the potential impact of earphone use on the occurrence of otitis externa (OE) by conducting a survey.
Subjects and Methods
This study included 517 participants. The questionnaire comprised 22 items divided into three categories; general information, earphone use, and OE. The questionnaire was designed using Google Forms and distributed through a notice posted on a hospital bulletin board. This notice included a QR code that enabled any interested individual to participate, and the responses were collected automatically.
Results
The proportion of respondents who had experienced OE at least once was 21%. Among them, 33.7% experienced OE within the preceding month. For “adhering to the recommendation usage time,” individuals who responded “likely” had a 0.440 (odds ratio=0.440, 95% confidence interval=0.195-0.993) times higher likelihood; they were at lower risk of experiencing OE compared to those who responded “very unlikely.”
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that proper earphone use can reduce the risk of OE. Despite the lack of a significant relationship between earphone type, physical activity, and cleaning practices, continued adherence to these factors is recommended to prevent OE.

Keyword

Ear carnal; Otitis externa; Infections; Earphone; Earbuds