A simulation has shown what is on earbuds when you put them in your ear... and it's pretty gross.
Some people have different boundaries when it comes to sharing, and I am firmly in the camp of not sharing earbuds.
There is nothing worse than someone offering you some earbuds and it's coated in ear wax.
Honestly, I'm feeling sick just thinking about it.
But thankfully, Zack D. Films is on hand to show that the situation is actually much worse than I feared.
The clip sheds light on the unseen dangers lurking on your earbuds, demonstrating how neglecting their cleanliness can impact your health.
"When you put an earbud into your ear, you could be inserting harmful bacteria directly into your ear canal," the video explains.
Through a microscopic simulation, the clip highlights the accumulation of skin cells, sweat, and earwax on earbuds and how the warm, moist environment of the ear canal creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
"If you don't regularly clean your earbuds, they accumulate this bacteria which could eventually lead to infections," the video warns, showing how bacteria build-up can spread both inside the ear and on the earbuds themselves.
If you're concerned by this, don't worry, you aren't alone.
"You just made me clean my ears and earbuds," one person said, as a second added: "This is why I have an ear infection for 9 months."
Another person said: "This is exactly why I'm grossed out and decline to put somebody's earbuds on when they say, 'hey, listen to this'."
While a fourth summarised: "Honestly this is good information. All the people getting scared have never cleaned their air pods at all."
I bet you're all running to clean your earbuds now, aren't you?
To clean earbuds effectively, experts recommend using an alcohol wipe or a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol or cleaning vinegar to remove earwax and debris. Cotton buds can also help clean those hard-to-reach spots.
However, it's crucial to avoid using water, as it could damage the electronics. Silicone earbud tips, if detachable, can be washed with soap and water, but they should be thoroughly dried before reattaching.
In short, clean your earbuds!
