iPods increase ear infections

Manipal, India, January 18: The iPod bug has infected us so profoundly that it would not be an exaggeration to call today’s kids– the iPod generation. Youngsters are constantly hooked to their iPods, realizing little that they are exposing themselves to a risk of infection and even a noise-induced hearing loss, in advanced cases.

Doctors are increasingly being visited by younger patients with hearing loss symptoms that normally do not occur before middle age. Scientists blame it on the constant use of iPods and other players that blare music directly into ears.

Researchers at the Kasturba Medical College in Manipal, southwest India scrutinized the ears and earphones of 50 students, half of them were constantly hooked on to their MP3 players, while the rest listened to it occasionally.

Swab samples from their ears and earphones were incubated overnight and the researchers found that there was heavy growth and a significant increase in the number of bacteria in those who were most of the time tuned in to their music players.

Plugging increases the moisture in the ear and makes it warmer, thus making it conducive for bacterial growth, explained the researchers. Sharing their devices with one-another transmits the bugs, leading to an easy spread.

“It can be concluded that bacterial transfer does increase with frequent and continuous use and the chance of it being transferred is high while people tend to share earphones while listening to music,” said the researchers.

The swab samples showed the growth of Staphylococci, the bacteria, which can cause swelling and earache.