Many people rely on using earplugs while sleeping to get rid of their partner's snoring or any noise that may disturb their sleep, as many wake up due to simple sounds that may be annoying. But, does using earplugs while sleeping have a negative impact on your health? Let's explore the answer. The quality of sleep is an essential element of our well-being, however, many external factors can affect this tranquility, such as ambient noise or a partner's snoring. Thanks to the use of hearing protection, it has become possible to enjoy a deep and comfortable sleep anywhere, by effectively reducing external sound disturbances. Earplugs provide an effective barrier against unwanted sounds, creating a comfortable environment that contributes to a peaceful night's sleep. With the right plugs, quiet nights can become a reality, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable and complete sleep.

**What are earplugs?**

 

Earplugs are devices that are used to be inserted into the ear canal in order to protect the ear from loud sounds, water leakage, dust and dirt. These plugs reduce the sound level and are also used to prevent hearing loss and tinnitus.

**Can earplugs damage the eardrum?**

 

In rare cases, earplugs can damage the eardrum if they are inserted too deeply into the ear canal. However, the design of the plugs makes them shorter than the length of the ear canal, which is about 35 millimeters, which helps avoid damaging the eardrum. Damage to the eardrum can also occur in some cases when plugs are inserted or removed quickly. Therefore, it is best to insert and remove them slowly and in a circular motion to ensure safe use.

*** Benefits of using earplugs while sleeping ***

 

Earplugs allow you to quickly reach silence and get rid of annoying sounds.

They help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.

Modern earplugs are made of materials that reduce pressure on the ear, which helps reduce discomfort.

**Uses of earplugs**

Earplugs have several health benefits, including:

1- **Hearing protection** Earplugs are usually used to protect hearing from loud noises that may lead to hearing loss or tinnitus.

2- **Peaceful sleep** Earplugs help block out external noise that may disturb sleep, such as street noise or someone else's snoring.

3- Concentration **Earplugs are used to reduce distracting noise that hinders the ability to concentrate, such as sounds in work or study environments.

4- Swimming** Earplugs are usually used to prevent water from entering the ear, as this can increase the risk of ear infections.

**Risks of sleeping in a noisy environment**

 

The human body naturally and negatively reacts to noise, leading to a state of alertness that prevents us from reaching the deep sleep stage. If this situation continues for a long time, negative consequences may appear as a result of lack of sleep, which include:

- Difficulty thinking.

- Difficulty concentrating.

- Mood swings.

- Headaches.

- Feeling tired.

- Constant drowsiness.

- Weakened immune system.

- Weight gain.

- Increased risk of depression and anxiety.

- Increased risk of high blood pressure.

- Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

**Choosing the right earplugs for a peaceful sleep**

**Standard earplugs** Standard earplugs are an ideal choice for everyday use, as they are available in a variety of materials such as wax, foam and silicone, to suit your personal needs. There are also plugs with an acoustic filter, which helps reduce disturbing sounds while you sleep.

**Custom earplugs** Custom earplugs are made based on the footprint of your ear canal, which is taken by an audiologist. These plugs adapt perfectly to the shape of your ears, providing you with a high level of comfort. Studies have shown that this custom protection is particularly effective in reducing disturbing noise while you sleep. For personalized guidance in choosing the right earplugs for you, it is advisable to consult a hearing specialist. This specialist will help you determine the most appropriate solution for your needs, ensuring you have a quiet and comfortable night.

**Types of earplugs**

A variety of earplugs are available based on their components:

. **Wax** This type is ideal for use while sleeping, as it comes in the form of a cone that can be shaped with the hands to fit the ear. It is also waterproof. However, caution should be exercised when using it for long periods, as the accumulation of wax inside the ear canal can cause serious complications such as hearing loss and tinnitus.

. **Silicone** Silicone plugs are soft and light, making them comfortable and reusable, but they can be more expensive than other types. Different sizes of silicone plugs are available to suit all people, and it is important to know that you may need two different sizes for each ear, and it may require trying several sizes to find the right size for you.

**. Foam earplugs** These are the most economical option, providing comfort during sleep. However, the porous nature of the foam material makes it a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to infections. Therefore, it is advisable not to use them for long periods to maintain ear health. There are also types of these plugs that are stretchable and adapt to the size and shape of each individual’s ear canal, making them particularly suitable for women and children who have small ear canals that do not fit most other types. Alternatively, full-length ear muffs can be used as an alternative, as they are easy to wear, but suffer from poor sound blocking efficiency and discomfort during sleep. Therefore, foam plugs remain the best option for sleeping.

**Foam plugs** are a type of low-cost plugs made of foam, and are characterized by aSoft earplugs and great comfort during sleep. However, the problem lies in their porous structure, which may be suitable for the growth of bacteria that cause ear infections. Therefore, it is recommended not to use them for long periods, and it is necessary to clean and replace them regularly.

- **Moldable earplugs**, made of soft foam that can be shaped to fit the ear canal.

-** Electronic earplugs**, equipped with a small battery that activates the noise cancellation feature.

**How ​​to use earplugs correctly?**

 

For safe use of earplugs while sleeping, it is recommended to follow the following steps:

1. **Washing hands**: Make sure to wash your hands well before using the plugs to avoid contamination.

2. **Examine the ears**: Check the cleanliness and dryness of the ear canals, as any moisture may increase the risk of infection.

3. **Preparing the plug**: Roll the plug between your clean fingers to get a suitable diameter that makes it easy to insert into the outer ear canal.

4. **Adjusting the earlobe**: Hold the earlobe and pull it back to facilitate the straightening of the ear canal, which makes it easier to insert the plug.

5. **Inserting the plug**: Gently insert the plug into the ear canal until it is well seated. If you are using foam plugs, keep your hand on them until they stretch and fit the size of the canal.

6. **Replacing the plugs**: If you are using foam plugs, it is best to replace them after several days. You can also wash them with warm water and soap and leave them to dry completely, making sure not to insert them into the ear while they are wet.

**Earplugs while sleeping and potential risks**

 

**Ear infection** Some people have difficulty finding earplugs that fit their ear openings, as they vary in size. Not every earplug fits your ears, which can lead to blockage and increased pressure on the capillaries in the ear, which slows down blood circulation. If this continues for a long time, it can cause ear infection. Therefore, it is important to use earplugs correctly and not wear them for long periods.

**Hearing loss** The ears produce some secretions, commonly known as earwax. When earplugs are used, some of these secretions are pushed into the ear. Over time, these secretions may collect deep in the ear. In severe cases, this can lead to tinnitus. With continued use, many people may experience ear pain and hearing loss.

**Ear infection** Ear infections occur as a result of bacterial growth in the earwax, or due to earplugs becoming contaminated with bacteria due to repeated use of the same pair for a long time without cleaning or replacing them. These infections can lead to painful ear infections, and may cause permanent complications such as hearing loss or damage if ignored and left untreated. Therefore, it is essential to treat ear infections quickly and without delay.

**Excessive insertion** Earplugs are considered safe and do not pose a risk. However, inserting them deep into the ear canal until they touch the tympanic membrane (eardrum) can pose two risks. The first is the possibility that the plug may get stuck inside the ear, making it difficult to remove without the help of a healthcare provider. The second risk is that the plug may come into contact with the eardrum, which can lead to irritation, resulting in annoying complaints such as tinnitus, hearing disturbances, nausea, and vomiting.

**Safety Risks** The main risk associated with using earplugs while sleeping is the inability to hear alerts and emergency signals. Therefore, it is advisable to ensure that the plugs reduce ambient sounds without completely blocking them out upon waking up.

**Middle ear infection** Some types of earplugs can damage the ears. Some people are reluctant to buy high-quality earplugs, as poor-quality types may be poorly made. Low-quality earplugs can easily cause ear infections, which increases the risk of ear infections and viral infections in the middle ear. Middle ear infection can easily develop, which is a difficult health condition that requires long-term treatment.

**Dependency** Some people resort to using earplugs because they are sensitive to sounds or suffer from psychological problems. However, after a period of continuous use, they may feel dependent on them. When they are in a place where earplugs are not available, they may find it difficult to sleep and feel disturbed. In this case, earplugs turn from a helpful tool to a factor that contributes to the exacerbation of their psychological problems. Therefore, people with psychological weakness or mental fragility are advised to reduce the use of earplugs and reduce their dependence on them.

**Rules for caring for earplugs**

When using wax earplugs during sleep, they should be replaced regularly, as they are designed for single use only. However, if you prefer to use more durable foam products, you should take care of them daily after each use. The process of caring for earplugs requires several steps after use:

1. **Cleaning the plugs from impurities**: You can do this by placing them in a soapy solution or a hydrogen peroxide solution. You can also use a special disinfectant solution available in pharmacies.

2. **Rinse the earplugs**: Wash them well under running water.

3. **Dry the earplugs**: Use a soft towel or cotton pad to dry them.

4. **Leave them to dry**: Place the earplugs on a clean surface for 1-2 hours until they are completely dry.

5. **Storage**: After making sure they are dry, store them in an airtight container.

**Tips for using earplugs while sleeping**

 

To ensure that the earplugs are properly fitted while sleeping, it is preferable to follow the following steps:

1. Roll the earplug between your hands until it reaches the appropriate thickness.

2. Pull the upper part of your ear backwards to facilitate the straightening of the ear canal.

3. Gently insert the earplug into the ear canal until it fits completely, making sure that the largest part of the earplug is inside the ear.

4. To check the effectiveness of theEarplugs, place your hand firmly over your ears. If the seal is better than using earplugs alone, this means that the seal is not tight. In this case, remove the plug and repeat the process again.

Avoid using earplugs to sleep on a daily basis.

Earplugs should be taken good care of. If you are using reusable types, it is necessary to clean them well after each use. As for disposable plugs, they should be disposed of immediately after use and not reused.

Do not ignore the accumulated earwax, as the daily use of earplugs can lead to wax accumulation. Therefore, it is important to remove excess wax using drops, which makes the use of plugs safer.

Make sure that the earplugs are inserted correctly into the ear canal, while avoiding pushing them forcefully inside, as this may cause damage to the inner part of the ear.