What should I do if my ears hurt from wearing headphones?

In general, ear pain caused by wearing headphones can be improved through methods such as correcting bad habits, massaging the skin of the ear, applying a cold towel compress, applying a warm towel compress, or medical treatment. Patients are advised to follow medical guidance for symptomatic treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Correcting Bad Habits

Avoid wearing headphones for extended periods. Typically, after one hour of use, remove the headphones to allow the skin and auricle of the ear to rest. Additionally, maintain headphone hygiene to prevent local skin infections.

2. Massaging the Ear Skin

Ear pain from headphone use is usually caused by prolonged wear, continuous pressure on the ears, or friction between the skin and the headphones. It is recommended that patients gently massage their ears to promote blood circulation in the skin, effectively relieving symptoms.

3. Cold Towel Compress

If the ear pain is significant, apply a cold towel or ice pack locally to help reduce discomfort. If mild redness and swelling occur, use a warm towel for heat application to help reduce swelling and alleviate symptoms.

4. Warm Towel Compress

If there is mild redness and swelling in the ear, apply a warm towel locally to help reduce inflammation and effectively relieve symptoms.

5. Medication

If the patient experiences severe redness, swelling, or pain in the ear area, topical application of mupirocin ointment or oral administration of cefixime dispersible tablets may be used under a doctor's supervision to effectively alleviate symptoms.

Patients should avoid wearing headphones for long durations. When experiencing ear pain, individuals should promptly visit a hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment based on a doctor’s diagnosis.