A comparative analysis of bacterial growth with earphone use

Mukhopadhyay, Chiranjay; Basak, Soham; Gupta, Soham; Chawla, Kiran and Bairy, Indira (2008) A comparative analysis of bacterial growth with earphone use. Online Journal Of Health And Allied Sciences, 7 (2). ISSN 0972-5997

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Official URL: http://www.ojhas.org/issue26/2008-2-4.htm

Abstract

Background: Recently the worldwide usage of earphones has increased especially among the school and college students who have a high rate of sharing among them. Alike airline headsets, headphones and stethoscope ear-pieces, ear phones can easily be a vector of potential pathogens, which can give rise to otitis externa. Purpose: To compare the bacterial growth of the external ear in association with earphone and assess the role of earphones as vector or microorganisms. Material and Methods: 50 voluntary male subjects (age 18-25 years) were chosen and divided into two groups, A and B, according to the use of earphones. Swabs were taken from their left ear and the left earpiece of the earphone. Samples were processed as recommended. Results: In group A, bacteria were found in 20 (80%) ear and 14 (56%) earphone swabs. In group B, bacteria were found in 23 (92%) ear and 17 (68%) earphone swabs. Group B showed heavy growth and a significant increase in the number of bacterial growths after frequent and constant use. Conclusion: Frequent and constant use of earphones increases the bacterial growth in the ear and sharing of earphones might be a potential vector of commensals. It is therefore, always better not to share or else to clean the earphones before sharing.

EPrint Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Bacterial Profile, Ear, Earphone, Student, Otitis Externa, Staphylococcus, Streptococci, Acinetobacter baummannii
Subjects:	Bacteria > Gram-Positive Bacteria Bacterial Infections and Mycoses > Bacterial Infections > Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections Sense Organs > Ear Natural Sciences > Electronics Equipment and Supplies > Protective Devices -Journal Repositories > Online Journal of Health and Allied Sciences Bacteria > Gram-Negative Bacteria > Gram-Negative Aerobic Bacteria > Gram-Negative Aerobic Rods and Cocci Bacterial Infections and Mycoses > Bacterial Infections > Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections Persons > Age Groups > Adolescent Bacterial Infections and Mycoses > Bacterial Infections
ID Code:	3045
Deposited By:	Dr Srinivas Kakkilaya
Deposited On:	08 September 2008

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