Wireless earbuds are the latest device silently disrupting classrooms. Faculty may need to consider how to engage students and unplug them from these easily concealable devices. Secret conversations occurring during classes are a concern associated with earbud use. By swapping an earbud with a classmate, students can use a text-to-speech app such as Google translate to type a message. They then play the message to communicate secretly with each other1 while socially disengaging from classroom learning. Before the start of class, faculty may want to use a catchphrase (eg, can you hear me now?) to prompt students the class is ready to start, and they need to remove their earbuds. Of more concern is the new high-tech ability for students to cheat on examinations. Wireless earbuds allow students to stream recordings of course content from their smartphones while taking an examination.2 Faculty should consider developing examination policies prohibiting earbuds. Items to address to prevent concealment include removing hats, hoodies, and other headgear except religious apparel. Requiring students to unplug earbuds may encourage social engagement and preserve examination integrity.

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