Can You Wear Earbuds With A Conch Piercing? This Is What You Need To Know!
What is a conch piercing?
A conch piercing is a piercing located in the center part of your ear, the area where there is the most room. Because of its placement, it is also one of the most customizable ear piercings you can get.
When opting for this piercing, it’s important to remember that – depending on the shape of your ear – you can either get an outer or inner conch piercing.
The inner conch piercing is when a hole is made right through the middle of the ear so a stud can be placed. The outer conch piercing allows a ring to go around the outer edge of your ear.

The conch piercing is suitable for many ears and can suit all styles. The placement of the piercing can achieve a subtle look or be a statement piece.
Can you wear earbuds with a conch piercing?
Yes, you can eventually wear earbuds when you have a conch piercing. However, you’ll have to wait until it heals properly, as wearing earbuds with a healing piercing can cause swelling and infections.
When you still want to listen to music while the piercing is healing, we advise you to use over-ear headphones during the healing time.
Can you wear headphones with a conch piercing?
Yes, headphones are the best to wear with a conch piercing because they don’t pressure the pierced area. Opting for a wide over-ear fit is better, so there is no pressure around the ear.
We advise wearing headphones with a conch piercing, especially during healing.
General guidelines for wearing earbuds or headphones with a conch piercing
Whether you can wear headphones or earbuds comfortably and safely will depend on their shape and how they rest on your ear; this is because they may interfere with specific piercings or jewelry shapes.
There are a few general guidelines on wearing earbuds or headphones with a conch piercing or any piercing in general:
- Loose headphones with a light squeeze will feel better than headphones that are designed to fit very tightly over your head
- Soft foam earpads feel better than firmer leather-style earpads because they give less pressure and allow for more air circulation
- Larger over-ear headphones with a wider cup can accommodate ear piercings better and are more comfortable
- Thinner earbuds with longer tips will irritate the piercing less than larger and contoured earbuds will
Common mistakes with a conch piercing
When you do opt to wear earbuds with your conch piercing, there are a few common mistakes you should make sure not to make:
- Using the earbuds while sleeping – Sleeping with earbuds might be the most common mistake and can cause all sorts of problems, like irritation, infection, bleeding, and general damage to the ear
- Using damp earbuds – You should avoid damp earbuds at all costs if you want to wear them with a piercing. Not only can they irritate the piercing, but they also harbor bacteria that can cause infection
- Piercing and earbuds are constantly rubbing – When you notice that your piercing and earbuds are constantly rubbing against each other, it is better to stick to earbuds. You should avoid any friction or movement on the piercing during the healing process as it delays healing.
Frequently asked questions
Is a conch piercing safe?
Yes, a conch piercing is relatively safe. However, risks are involved, such as infection, contact dermatitis, and scarring. To reduce the chance of these things happening, cleaning the piercing regularly and following the aftercare instructions is essential.
How long does a conch piercing take to heal?
Conch piercings done with a needle typically heal in 6 to 9 months, while piercings done by dermal punch can take a year or more to recover fully.
How painful is conch piercing?
They say that an inner or outer conch piercing is generally considered 6/10 on the pain scale, but everyone’s perception of pain is different. A conch piercing is said to be more painful than a tragus piercing but less painful than an industrial piercing.
Is it OK to sleep on a conch piercing?
No, it is not OK to sleep on a conch piercing. Avoid sleeping on the side where you have the piercing until it has fully healed. The pressure can cause problems with healing.
How long after a conch piercing can you swim?
It is best to avoid swimming up to two weeks after getting the piercing. Then, when you can go swimming, you still have to cover the piercing until it fully heals.