This is an increasingly common scenario in an era of surging sauna popularity and portable audio devices such as earbuds. Can the two be unified? A music lover always think can i wear earbuds in the sauna?
If your preference leans towards sauna bathing, wellness, or listening to music while bathing saunas, it is important that you know about the possible dangers of using electronic devices in these harsh conditions.
We examine whether or not it is safe to use AirPods in the sauna, some risks associated with wearing them, and what you can do instead.
How Saunas Affect Electronics
The Impact of Heat and Humidity
Saunas are characteristically very hot (and moist) places. Traditional saunas can be heated to upwards of 155°F-190°F(70-90°C), and steam rooms are included with added humidity. Earbuds are just one of many electronic devices that can struggle to survive under such conditions.
Types of Saunas
It should be noted that not all saunas are created equal. In a dry sauna, the hot stones create a dry environment, while in a steam sauna, there is moist heat for you to enjoy.
Both promote the operating conditions of earbuds to well above their design parameters.
Apple’s maximum operating temperature for AirPods is 113°F. This means every sauna is potentially dangerous to your earbuds.
Heat Tolerance in Electronic Devices
Electronic equipment is usually rated for the temperature and humidity range. Earbuds are no different. For example, AirPods have an IPX4 rating, which allows them to survive splashes of water, but they are not entirely waterproof or heatproof. This rating is not high enough to keep them safe in the intense conditions of a sauna.
Potential Risks of Using Earbuds in a Sauna
Heat Damage
Your earbuds internal components can sustain damage after prolonged exposure to heat, both in the battery and the circuits. The lithium-ion battery is more vulnerable to heat than any other component and degrades over time if exposed to such conditions, losing its ability to hold a charge.
When Apple says the ad is not exposed to temperatures higher than 35 degrees’ s in the sauna because they know the impact. If the inside of a sauna is always hotter than 35 degrees, you should never use Earbuds/AirPods since it only takes one sauna session to damage the battery.
Still, above that, the circuit board’s protection can also be degraded by heat, leading to the board’s failure, which is not covered by company warranty.
Moisture Damage
Although expensive earbuds and AirPods are sweat and water-resistant, they are not sauna-compatible.
The high humidity levels in saunas will cause moisture to leak into the headphones, thereby damaging their circuits through short-circuiting and causing corrosion over time. In this case, the company warranty does not cover this type of damage.
Warranty and Safety Concerns
Most manufacturers, including Apple, will warn you not to use their products in sauna conditions or even try to take advantage of the warranty after such an event.
If you do that, the warranty will be void, and you will be charged. It is up to you to ensure your safety and that of the product.
Can You Use Waterproof or Sweatproof Earbuds in the Sauna?
Understanding Waterproof Ratings
For one thing, waterproof ratings like IPX7 and IPX8 show how well your device can resist water. But they do not reflect high temperatures. Note that even waterproof earbuds may not be heatproof.
The Limitations of Sweatproof Earbuds
The first type of earbuds limits use in saunas because they are meant for sweat resistance. But the light moisture from running or working out that they sidestep is inherently different from the intense heat and humidity of your average sauna. Thus, using them will still damage your earbuds.
Common Myths About Using Earbuds in Saunas
Myth 1: Water Resistance Equals Sauna-Proof
People assume that water resistance means sauna resistance. This doesn’t seem right because resistance to water does not presuppose a high resistance to extreme temperatures, and saunas can be described as mixtures of high temperatures and humidity. This approach can destroy the regular functionalities of earbuds.
Myth 2: Short-Term Use Won’t Cause Harm
Some people think using earbuds in a sauna for short periods may not lead to long-term complications. However, this is not true, as staying even for five minutes in extreme conditions may damage the device and the user’s hearing.
Alternatives to Wearing Earbuds in the Sauna
Built-in Sound Systems
According to Finnleo, many modern saunas have built-in sound systems that endure heat and humidity. This is an excellent option if you want to listen to music, podcasts, or guided meditations in the sauna.
Sauna-Safe Devices
Special heat-resistant speakers for saunas are also available. You may want to purchase some of them to avoid the risk of your refrigerators or earbuds/smartphones overheating.
Mindfulness and Relaxation
However, since going to a sauna is relaxation, you might also ask yourself why you need to listen to something. Maybe this is an opportunity to let your gadgets rest as well.
The inside of a sauna is a perfect place to be mindful or relax, and you should try it sometime. Focus on your breathing, meditate, or enjoy the quiet.
Tips for Protecting Your Earbuds if You Choose to Bring Them
Cautionary Measures
If you decide to bring your earbuds into a sauna, shield them from direct exposure to moisture and temperature. Protective cases can prevent them from suffering this kind of abuse. Additionally, if you plan on bringing earbuds into a sauna repeatedly, taking breaks to cool them down is highly recommended.
Avoiding Prolong Exposure
Always keep track of the cumulative time your earbuds spend in a sauna. They also remove signals of wear or holes when overheating and malfunctioning occur, so take them out immediately if you find any problems.
What Happens If Your Earbuds Get Damaged?
Signs of Damage
Extreme heat and moisture pose serious risks to your earbuds. They can lead to a reduction in battery life, loss of sound quality, or even complete breakdown.
Steps to Take
If your earbuds no longer work after exposure to water, take the standard steps of giving them a good dry-out and contact the manufacturer for repair or replacement options.
Beware: Damage of this type is typically not covered under warranty.
Conclusion
While you might be tempted to take your AirPods to a sauna for some music or a podcast, the associated risks greatly outweigh the reward. High heat and humidity can destroy your earbuds or void their warranty on the market.
Instead, use the sauna integrated sound systems or heat proof speakers made for the purpose. And remember, the sauna is a place for relaxation, so ideally, just take a break and enjoy the soothing heat without any distractions.
While there are precautions you can take to extend the life of your device in a sauna, knowing some basic ways to avoid electronics in water will surely help keep them safe for all sessions.
FAQ
Can I use my AirPods in a dry sauna?
No, Even in a dry sauna, the high temperature can still damage your AirPods. It’s best to avoid using them in such environments.
What should I do if my earbuds get wet in the sauna?
Immediately remove them and try to dry them using recommended methods. If they continue to malfunction, contact the manufacturer for assistance.
Are there any earbuds specifically designed for sauna use?
Currently, no earbuds on the market are designed to withstand the extreme conditions of a sauna. Consider using heat-resistant speakers instead.
