Do you live in a loud city? Does the sound of traffic keep you up at night? Do your neighbors come and go in high heels in the middle of the night (like mine)? Does your partner snore?

Whatever the source of the noise in your nights, you are probably quite fed up with it. Have you already ordered yourself a set of earplugs? Wondering whether it’s safe to sleep with them, perhaps as often as every night? Let’s find out!

• Sleeping with earplugs is not bad, as long as you insert them correctly and clean and replace them regularly.

• The potential issues that can arise from earplug wear are ear infections, earwax buildup, temporary hearing loss and injuries to the ear canal.

• Those who are prone to ear infections and earwax buildup, as well as those suffering from noise sensitivities, should carefully consider whether earplugs will make their issues worse.

Sleeping with earplugs is generally safe, as long as you use them as directed, clean them after every use, and replace them when they start showing signs of wear and tear.

You should also know that some issues can arise from earplug use (which we’ll get into in a moment). As long as you are aware of them and mindful of the warning signs and symptoms, you should be able to prevent them.

Sleeping with earplugs isn’t too complicated. There is a slight learning curve while you learn how to insert them properly and efficiently. Once you get that down, you can finally start enjoying more restful and peaceful sleep.

Wearing earplugs can cause the following issues:

• Earwax buildup: Our ears produce earwax in order to clean themselves. Earwax is a barrier that prevents bacteria and dirt from getting into our ear canals. Some people produce a lot of earwax, while others produce very little.

  Wearing earplugs can increase the production of earwax because they are essentially a foreign object. This earwax buildup can cause discomfort, irritation and pain. An earwax blockage can temporarily impair your hearing.

  If you start to experience any of the above, give your ears a break from wearing earplugs. Don’t use a Q-tip to clean inside your ears, as it can push earwax deeper. Use it or a cotton pad to clean the outside of your ears, and let your body do the rest. If the problem persists, have your ears looked at by a doctor.

• Ear infections: If you don’t clean your earplugs regularly and properly, they could cause an ear infection. The warning signs to watch out for are pain, fever, a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear canal and difficulty hearing.

  If you suspect you have an ear infection, immediately stop using earplugs and see your doctor. Also, throw your current pair out.

• Ear injuries: If you insert an earplug incorrectly, you could inadvertently injure your ear. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, wash your hands thoroughly beforehand and be slow and gentle.

• Temporary hearing issues: Very rarely, sleeping with earplugs can cause temporary hearing issues. They are often the result of wax buildup or an injury and should resolve over time. It is important to seek medical help if you notice your hearing is becoming impaired in any way.

While earplugs are generally safe to use and sleep with, there are some people who should not wear them:

• Those who are susceptible to ear infections and frequently suffer from them.

• Those who already have a buildup of earwax or are prone to it.

• People with noise sensitivities, like tinnitus or misophonia, should be extra mindful as well, as earplugs may make some of their symptoms worse at night or during the day.

You could sleep with earplugs every night, but it’s advisable to take a break every few days. This will ensure that your ears have time to clean themselves and prevent any potential issues with infections and earwax buildup.

Taking a break will also prevent you from becoming too dependent on earplugs and developing difficulties falling asleep without them. If you start associating earplugs with falling asleep and get too used to the silence, you may have trouble drifting off with bare ears.

There are some cases when taking a break might be more of a challenge. If you are wearing earplugs for snoring, for example, you will find it extra hard to forego them. When this is the case, consider an alternative means of noise reduction, like a white noise machine or a sound sleep mask.

If you are a light sleeper or sleep next to a snoring partner, consider investing in a pair of quality earplugs. They can help you get a good night’s sleep and ward off the consequences of sleep deprivation that accompany broken sleep due to a noisy environment.

Yes, earplugs can cause earwax buildup that can block your ear canal. If this happens, stop wearing the earplugs immediately and clean the outside of your ear with a Q-tip or a cloth. If the blockage doesn’t resolve on its own, see your doctor.

Yes, earplugs can increase the risk of ear infections if not handled correctly. To prevent infections, wash your hands thoroughly before inserting your earplugs. Clean the earplugs after every use or as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. Store them in a dry, closed container when not in use. Never share your earplugs with anyone.

Earplugs can damage your eardrum or ear canal only if you choose the wrong size or insert them incorrectly. Opt for earplug sets that come in a range of sizes, and carefully follow the instructions for inserting them. Be patient and gentle, and don’t use any force to push them into your ears.

While earplugs are designed to reduce noise, most of them will not block out sounds completely, so you should still be able to hear an alarm. If you are concerned, increase the volume of your alarm so you can comfortably hear it while wearing earplugs. You can also consider investing in an alarm that uses light triggers to attract your attention.

Wearing earplugs does not, in itself, cause tinnitus, but using them incorrectly could. Earwax buildup and ear infections can both be accompanied by tinnitus. If you already have mild tinnitus that you aren’t aware of, the significant noise reduction might make you become more conscious of it.

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