Sleeping With Earplugs – Is It Safe?
Why Do Some People Like to Sleep With Earplugs In?
Hearing loss is common among people of all ages in Arizona and the United States. Unfortunately, some people are unaware they are suffering until they are tested. It is commonly related to age-related issues, while other people experience it due to exposure to loud noise, which might lead to premature deafness, and tinnitus.
To prevent hearing loss, people are advised to use earplugs. Using earplugs is a great way of protecting your ears from noise, as they turn down the volume of the noise. Even though earplugs are important, there is still a huge debate on whether it is safe to sleep with your earplugs on.
At Metro Hearing, we have professional audiologists who offer a wide range of hearing tests to assess the level of hearing loss you are experiencing and address any existing hearing issues. We also provide you with the latest hearing protection devices that suit your needs, daily activities, and how often you intend to wear them. This article brings out credible insights on whether it is safe to sleep with your earplugs.
What Are the Sides Effects of Sleeping with Earplugs?
Earplugs are generally safe to use while sleeping. However, frequent use might lead to some problems in the long run. Some of the potential side effects of sleeping with earplugs regularly include:
Wax buildup
Frequent use of earplugs repeatedly pushes back the ear wax into the ear, which causes buildup. Wax buildup can cause several problems in the ear, such as tinnitus, temporary hearing loss, itching, and discomfort in the ear.
Ear infections
Earplugs can also cause ear infections, resulting from the bacteria entering the ear canal from the earplug or the buildup of ear wax.
What Are the Benefits of Sleeping with Earplugs?
Sleeping with earplugs is greatly beneficial, especially for light sleepers who live in noisy areas or have snoring partners. Earplugs help block out even the slightest noise that might keep you up all night. Good quality sleep is important for your overall health and can easily be achieved using earplugs.
What Are the Best Types of Earplugs for Sleeping?
Earplugs are small devices inserted into the ear to prevent loud noise, water, dust, cold, or other foreign elements from entering the ear. There are different types of earplugs for sleep, such as:
Wax Earplugs for Sleeping
Wax earplugs are made using a mold of the patient’s ear to ensure they fit perfectly in the ear canal. These earplugs are a good choice for sleeping and other activities, such as swimming, since they are waterproof.
Foam Earplugs for Sleeping
These are the most inexpensive earplugs for sleeping. They are soft, which makes them suitable for inserting in the ear, and comfortable, thus making them a good choice for wearing when sleeping. Ensure to replace your foam earplugs often since the soft material is a good environment for harboring bacteria.
Silicone Earplugs for Sleeping
Silicone earplugs are of two types: hard and soft. Hard silicone earplugs have the added benefit of being reusable but are usually uncomfortable for sleep, especially for side sleepers. Soft silicone earplugs have a dough-like feel similar to wax earplugs, as they are molded to fit comfortably into the outside of the ear canal.
How Can You Sleep With Earplugs Safely?
Even though using earplugs frequently has downsides, using them correctly reduces the risks of having any side effects. Whether you wear earplugs throughout the day to promote a relaxed state or sleep with them at night, you can protect your hearing health by doing the following:
- Make sure the earplugs are clean and dry before each use
- Insert and remove earplugs gently with each use
- Remember to store earplugs in a ventilated case to prevent moisture and bacteria buildup
- Choose the right size of earplugs for your ears
For effective hearing and safety, it is important to be sure you are using the correct type of earplugs and are using them right. For instance, wax and silicon earplugs are reusable, so clean them using mild soap and warm water. Make sure they are completely dry before returning them to your ears. On the other hand, if you are using disposable earplugs like foam earplugs, replace them after every few days for the safety of your ears.
Sleeping with earplugs improves your sleep quality and overall quality of life. However, it is also important to always visit your audiologist in Scottsdale to ensure your hearing is at its best.
Consult With an Audiologist Today
Ear Protection and Audiologist Services in Phoenix At Metro Hearing in Phoenix, we have the best audiologist with vast knowledge to offer high-quality personalized services to address each individual’s hearing loss issues. Get in touch with us in Glendale and Sun City for more information on our earplugs and hearing aid devices.
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