Yes, both wired and wireless earbuds can potentially shock you. The majority of cases involve nothing more than a static electrical discharge, but there are also cases involving electrical injury and burns. It is even possible to be electrocuted. Although the risk of a severe or serious electrical injury is low, it’s important to understand the possible causes and take steps to minimize the risk.
These outcomes depend on whether you are wearing wired or wireless earpieces and whether they are connected to a direct AC power source and the voltage.
What can cause earbuds to shock you?
Although rare, both wired and wireless earbuds can deliver an electrical shock. Some common causes include:
- Static electricity: Static can build up on your body and discharge through the earpieces, especially in dry environments, when wearing synthetic clothing, or when moving your device in and out of your pocket.
- Faulty wiring: In wired earbuds, damaged, frayed, or exposed wires can create a path for electrical current, potentially causing a shock.
- Charging issues: Using earpieces while charging a device can be risky, particularly if there are problems with the charger or the device’s power regulation.
- Power surges: A sudden surge from your device or a faulty charger can create a dangerous electrical injury.
- Water damage: Exposure to water or moisture can create a path for electricity, increasing the risk of an electrical accident.
Even though serious electrical injuries are uncommon, it’s important to use earpieces safely, avoid damaged equipment, and keep them dry to minimize risks.
How can they zap you with AC current?
Wired earpieces can cause you to suffer an electrical injury if they are plugged into a phone or other device that is getting its power directly from an AC power source such as a wall outlet or socket. The risk of injury from wireless ones are virtually nonexistent because the AC current can be transferred through wires.
Static electricity concerns
Apple said that it is “possible to receive a small and quick electrostatic shock from your earbuds when you listen to your iPod, iPhone, or Mac computer,” according to a February 27, 2018 statement. Apple went on to explain: A person’s “ears might receive a small electrostatic discharge from the earbuds,” but that “doesn’t mean that there’s an issue with your device or the earbuds.”
Around the same time as Apple’s statement, a woman in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, shared in a Facebook post that she experienced an electric shock from her earbuds. She said she heard a “zapping” and she could “feel the electric shock in her mouth.” She said that after she removed them from her ears, she experienced pain, swollen lips and a metallic taste in her mouth. Eventually, those conditions disappeared. The woman was folding laundry when the incident occurred.
Electric shock death by earbuds
There are no official statistics about electric shock death by earbuds. However, if a person is wearing wired earpieces that are somehow connected to a source of AC power, there is the possibility of electrocution or injury from an electrical current. It is common for households to have AC power with 110V to 220V.
There have been media reports of several cases where people have died with headphones in their ears while their cell phones were charging. Burns to the ear and the melting of the headphones have also been reported.
Can you get burns from them?
In August 2019, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of “Happy Plugs . . . Wireless Headphones Due to Burn Hazard.” The CPSC announced that the “micro-USB charging cable packaged with Happy Plugs wireless headphones can cause the headphones to overheat, posing a burn hazard to consumers.”
How to prevent electric shock from earbuds
Follow these safety tips to protect yourself and prevent an electrical injury from earpieces:
- Avoid Using While Charging: For wired earpieces, do not use them while your device is plugged into a power source.
- Be Mindful of Static Electricity: Wear natural fiber clothing, use a humidifier, and avoid dragging your feet on carpets to reduce static build-up.
- Inspect Regularly: Check for any damage to the wires or casing of your earpieces and replace them if necessary.
- Keep Devices Dry: Never use earpieces in wet conditions and make sure they are completely dry before use.
- Ground Yourself in High-Static Environments: In places like gyms or carpeted areas, touch a metal object before putting on your earpieces to discharge any static electricity.
Why choose our electrocution lawyers if injured by electricity?
Electric shocks from earbuds—whether wired or wireless—can cause injuries ranging from minor burns and nerve irritation to more serious complications affecting the heart or muscles. Even though severe electrical incidents are rare, they can have lasting physical and emotional effects.. If you or a loved one has suffered an electrical injury due to faulty or defective earpieces or charging equipment, you need attorneys who understand both the complex legal landscape and the potential impact of these injuries.
At Electrocuted.com, you can speak directly with Jeff Feldman, recognized as one of the nation’s most experienced electrical accident attorneys, or Chris Stombaugh, widely regarded as one of America’s top trial lawyers. Jeff and Chris specialize in electrocution and electric shock cases, having successfully handled electrical injury cases across multiple states, including incidents involving defective consumer products, faulty wiring, or other preventable hazards. They also consult with other injury lawyers nationwide on complex electrical accident and wrongful death cases.
With Jeff and Chris on your side, you gain expert advocates who understand the potential consequences of electric shocks from earbuds and other small devices, and who know how to pursue the maximum recovery possible for you and your family.
