People freaked out after seeing worrying simulation about what’s on headphones when you put them in ears

People have been left worried after watching a simulation about what happens to your earbuds when putting them in your ears.

It's an item that most of us use on the regular, whether that be on the way to work, while working out or to block out noise on public transport.

But did you know that they could actually be detrimental for your health - if you're not careful?

Millions of viewers on social media couldn't believe just how bad it can get with earbuds in particular, as a video went viral earlier this year simulating what the effects of leaving them in can do.

Earbuds are useful and great, but we have to be careful if we use them frequently (Getty Stock Photo)

Zack D. Films posted a short 31-second video on YouTube that has accumulated over 15 million views, titled 'Why Your Earbuds Are GROSS'.

It began to explain: "When you put an earbud into your ear, you could be inserting harmful bacteria directly into your (ear) canal," it said, with the simulation revealing what is on the earbud on a microscopic level.

"You see, every time earbuds sit in your ears, they pick up skin cells, sweat and ear wax, and because your ear canal is moist, dark and warm, it creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria," it explained, showing how it can appear in the ear and on the bud.

It concluded: "If you don't regularly clean your earbuds, they accumulate this bacteria which could eventually lead to infections."

This scary realisation worried several viewers, who took to the comments section to share their thoughts, as one said: "This is exactly why I'm grossed out and decline to put somebody's earbuds on when they say, 'hey, listen to this'."

Another commented: "These animations get scarier everyday."

A third posted: "Bro people be wearing earbuds and watching this at the same time," with a skull emoji.

A different user added: "This made me clean my earbuds with pure alcohol. I will do this every day from now on."

It's worth cleaning them regularly and thoroughly as they will get dirty over time - and nobody wants an ear infection.

According to Specsavers, you should wash them once a week if you use them everyday, but if you use them while exercising, you should clean them after you complete the activity, or in any situation where you find yourself sweating.

It's worth cleaning your earbuds regularly (Youtube/Zack D. Films)

In terms of cleaning the earwax out of headphones so that bacteria can't grow, you should use an alcohol wipe or a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol or cleaning vinegar to gently wipe away and get rid of any earway or debris that has built up.

Cotton buds can also be useful for smaller gaps that your finger can't reach, and it's important that you dry your earbuds after cleaning them.

It is recommended that you avoid water as it may damage the electronics, unless you have silicone tips, which you can take out and wash with water and soap, ensuring they're dry before putting them back on.

If your hearing begins to hurt, feel pressure or begin to lose its sense of hearing, you should get in touch with your GP.