[phyrefly]

Disturbing fact #2: If there is enough bacteria, a Triports will start to sound like a Grado RS-1

 

[Schalldampfer]

Anyone up for some sun-dried headphones?

 

[OptionTrader]

Time to get the K1000. Being as open as open gets, no bacteria build up to worry about...

 

[rwest1389]

Just because theres bacteria in your ear doesn't mean they cause infections. Second, the 700 times probably comes from the nature of bacteria growth, it is exponential. Makes sense, but is still likely to bs.

 

[ecclesand]

Another consideration is the fact that many of us are probably listening to used headphones...which could introduce other peoples' ear bacteria to our ears...that's a lovely thought ain't it?

 

[jamato8]

That's why I turn my headphones up really loud. It drives the little buggers nuts.

 

[Schalldampfer]

Yeah... I think I'm going to take the pads off my HD-650 once in a while and let them dry out in the sun.

And believe it or not, I've been Cloroxing it whenever I go back home even before I knew of this 'fact.'

 

[Nugget]

Err, have we considered whether this applies only to IEMs? I know the list says "headphones" but we're probably more sensitive to proper can nomenclature than most.

After looking at my crusty, sweaty IEMs after an hour at the gym, I can believe it.

 

[dealmaster00]

yeah...having lots of bacteria in your ears isnt necessarily a bad thing...the stat doesn't say whether it is or not...

 

[ast]

I'd imagine the multiplication of bacteria depends on the genre of music, as some heavier germs may prefer heavy metal's low frequency and general loudness to stimulate their cell division... No?

 

[verymagicalguy]

I assume this is why people clean with isopropyl alcohol before selling them.

 

[Gabriel Possenti]

yuck!

 

[iancraig10]

Does that mean that animal rights organisations will be on to us for taking them off and destroying a mini-eco-system?

Ian

 

[Knockturne]

^^^haha. Reminds me of a certain Simpsons episode.

 

[DjSchock]

A few bowls of cereal (whole milk), 11 hour study period with IEMs or any sealed headphone, and a few cigarettes will give ya an ear infection.... try if you must...

Also if it's hella windy outside, kicking up crap in the air, like dust or pollen, that 700x (or just the fact that bacteria will grow faster with phones on) becomes very relevant...