Studies have shown that earplugs are generally safe to use while sleeping. Most hearing damage caused by loud noises results from prolonged exposure over time, not from a single event or one-time noise level.
Hearing protection is especially important for children and babies because their ears are more sensitive than adult ears.
However, there may be some exceptions when using hearing protection, which can cause temporary or permanent damage to your ears.
If you have a high risk of developing an ear infection, it’s best not to wear earplugs while sleeping until the infection clears up.
Another exception might be if you’re regularly exposed to loud noises at work (like shooting guns). You should consult with your doctor before wearing earplugs at work.
Is it OK to sleep with earplugs every night?
Using earplugs on a regular basis is generally safe. However, you should always remove your earplugs before going to bed if you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection.
If you suspect that you might have water in your ear, wait until the symptoms are gone before wearing your earplugs again. Taking out your earplugs takes about 5 seconds, so it’s worth doing this every day instead of not wearing them at all.
Earplugs can sometimes irritate or even damage your ears if they are used for more than eight hours each day.
Most disposable earplugs are made from foam, which can become compacted and hard after repeated use; other types of earplugs may cause the same issues if the material is also stiff or rough against your skin.
You should try to limit using any hearing protection for longer than eight hours per day (or for your entire sleep time if that’s the case).
Is it safe to use earplugs on a plane?
Yes, using earplugs on a plane is usually safe. If you’re concerned about keeping your ears clear (and reducing problems like clogged Eustachian tubes and ear pain) while flying through changes in air pressure, consult with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
They may suggest that you chew gum or swallow to help keep your ears clear; they could also prescribe an over-the-counter decongestant (or recommend something else entirely).
However, some people should not fly because of specific health conditions: anyone who has experienced sudden loss of hearing after flying before should NOT fly again without consulting with a doctor. The reason is that this sudden loss of hearing may be caused by middle ear barotrauma.
What can I use instead of earplugs?
If you’re not ready to give up sleeping with your regular earplugs, consider trying other sleep aids instead. Earplugs made from memory foam or flanged (shaped like a funnel) can help keep your ears clear and reduce pain.
You could also try listening to calming music before bed or wearing special sleep headphones that play sounds that mask noise. Specialized pillows that are designed to reduce snoring may also help.
There are even pillow speakers you can use to listen to music without bothering anyone else in the room! Consult with your doctor if you have any questions about using these materials while sleeping.
How can I not hear snoring?
If you have a partner who snores while sleeping, wearing earplugs might not help. Snoring is caused by a blockage in the nose, and earplugs usually don’t affect the nose at all.
If you’re concerned about snoring but still want to do something about it, consider using a white noise device that masks sound instead.
That way, you can enjoy your sleep without feeling like your ears are plugged up or become irritated from wearing hearing protection.
Can earmuffs block out noise?
No, earmuffs cannot block out sound. They are designed to deliver a noise that blocks out other sounds – as long as you don’t try to sleep with them on!
Earmuffs aren’t able to keep your ears safe from the intensity of loud noises because they’re not close enough to your eardrums.
Do I need to worry about safety when using disposable earplugs?
Safety and comfort are two important factors in choosing the best hearing protection, and disposable foam earplugs tend to be both safe and effective.
Earplugs that use pre-molded or custom-fitted forms may deliver more comfortable wear, but they can also be more expensive than other types.
Even though some people find it helpful to add wax or lubricant to their disposable plugs for extra comfort, doing so increases the risk of developing an ear infection.
If you’re experiencing discomfort with your normal level of noise exposure, try switching to a different form of hearing protection.
How should I clean my disposable earplugs?
Disposable earplugs can be cleaned just like other personal items – with soap and water, for example. If you want to maintain the same level of hygiene without washing your reusable plugs after every use, consider giving them a quick wipe with an alcohol swab instead.
It’s unnecessary to do this often (and not all types of reusable plugs are compatible with alcohol sterilizers). Still, it will reduce the risk of bacteria growth in your hearing protection during long-term use.
Is it safe to listen to loud music when sleeping?
No, listening to loud music when sleeping isn’t safe, regardless of whether or not you wear hearing protection while doing it.
Exposure to loud noise during sleep can cause tinnitus, an ear condition that causes you to hear sounds even when no outside source generates them.
These sounds may be constant or follow a pattern similar to the sound of ocean waves. Tinnitus isn’t always dangerous – some people may not even notice it – but continued exposure to noisy environments can lead to permanent hearing damage over time.
How do I know what sleeping level of noise is safe?
The easiest way for most people to determine if their environment is too loud while sleeping is by talking with their doctor about it. If you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms or changes in your behavior, then it might be time for a checkup!
Conclusions
Sleeping with hearing protection is generally safe if you take breaks from wearing it every day and do not wear it for more than 8 hours per day.
Sleeping with earplugs can sometimes irritate or damage your ears if used for longer periods. If you suspect that you have an ear infection, wait until after any signs of infection have been gone before sleeping with earplugs.