Constant ear infections

[rainchild]

I am a manager in a call Center for a FSA regulated company so part of my duties is to monitor the phone calls of my team for compliance .  However I also have psoriasis a skin condition that mostly manifests on my elbows an knees but also in my ears :/ . I am very prone to ear infections because the psoriasis itches an I scratch and bacteria sets in. I wash my hands a hundred times a day but its impossible to avoid all germs an when I where my head phones my ears get hot and itchy and I scratch an the bacteria breeds and hense it seems I have constant
Otitis externa ( outer ear infection)  and it quite willingly spreads to the outer tissues like my face and even my scull bone right up to the point I went to see my doc an he sent me straight up to ENT at the hospital for treatment again.
It's the blasted head phones, they make my ears itch , they make my ear canals wet an the bacteria explodes and infects the psoriasis in my ears ( that is incurable) it's a vicious circle.  I can't use the ones that you poke in your ears because my ears are sore an regular head phones make my ears hot and itchy. I am looking for advice on headphones that promote healthy ears for people with a weakness for ear infections.
I don't want a full occupational health assessment because they cost a lot of money and I know my company will pay for the headphones I need.  I would just like some pointers in the right direction as to what headphones promote healthy ears so I can look an choose for myself.
I can't see for looking on google, I would very much appreciate your experience and advice as to what products promote healthy ears in the way of headphones.

many thanks in advance

Rainchild

[jemma116]

Have you thought about changing your job?

[rainchild]

My headphones are just standard headphones, foam cushioned with a PVC cover around the foam. I appreciate that there are many designs but I don't want to cause inconvenience to my company by getting them to buy in different ones in the hope they might suit. I were sort of looking for a higher tan average chance of getting it right with some tried an tested equipment.
I regards to daily cleaning I use sterile warm water and a hemp moisturiser from The body shop. My doctor does not have any better alternatives for ears. The coal tar creams are no better andI can't use steroid creams on a regular basis in this area as the skin is so thin in the ears. I wipe my headphones with alcohol gel to keep them fresh. I have cream at work and at home and keep the barrier topped up 4 or 5 times a day. I know it is my responsibility to do all that I can to keep my ears healthy. The problem is that I can only put cream round the bits I can get to and the infection starts deep inside my ears. Once they start to weep its a nigh on impossible task to stop the yucky stuff crusting outside my ears and infecting the surrounding tissue .

Thank you so much for the reply , I really appreciate it.

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Hello,

This a unique request and question.

Have you tried foam cushioned head phones?

What daily routine do you practice with regard to cleaning and moisturizing the skin around your ear canal?

~ Dr. Parks

This answer provided to you is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this Medhelp.org posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.