Can I wear headphones if I have otitis externa?

Patients with otitis externa should not wear headphones. Wearing headphones causes direct contact between the device and the skin of the external auditory canal, leading to noticeable local hyperemia and edema, which exacerbates ear pain. Such stimulation aggravates otitis externa, intensifies earache, and impairs treatment efficacy due to compromised ventilation in the external auditory canal. Additionally, patients should consume light, non-spicy, non-irritating foods and avoid repeatedly cleaning the ears. With proper care, symptoms will gradually improve—under no circumstances should headphones be worn.