Many of us have trouble sleeping due to outside noise, such as traffic, loud neighbours, or snoring partners. This is where earplugs come in handy. They are a great solution to blocking unwanted sounds, but are they safe to sleep with? In this article, we will explore the risks and benefits of sleeping with earplugs.
Benefits of Sleeping with Earplugs
The most obvious benefit of sleeping with earplugs is that they help you get a good night’s sleep. By blocking out noise, you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, resulting in a better quality of sleep. This can lead to improved mood, increased productivity, and better overall health.
In addition, earplugs can be helpful for people who suffer from tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. Tinnitus can be exacerbated by outside noise, so using earplugs can provide relief and help manage symptoms.
Earplugs can also be beneficial for people who work night shifts and need to sleep during the day. Sleeping during the day can be challenging due to outside noise, but earplugs can help create a quiet and peaceful environment.
Risks of Sleeping with Earplugs
While earplugs can be beneficial for sleep, there are also risks associated with sleeping with earplugs. The main risk is that they can cause ear infections or other ear-related problems. Earplugs can trap moisture in the ear canal, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria. This can lead to conditions such as swimmer’s ear or otitis externa.
In addition, using earplugs for prolonged periods can cause a buildup of earwax. Earwax is a natural substance that helps protect the ear from infection, but too much of it can cause blockages and lead to hearing problems.
Finally, earplugs can be a safety hazard if they prevent you from hearing important sounds, such as a smoke detector or an alarm clock. This is especially true if you sleep with earplugs in and do not have a backup plan in case of an emergency.
Tips for Safe Sleeping with Earplugs
If you want to sleep with earplugs, there are some things you can do to minimise the risks. First, make sure you are using clean earplugs. Dirty earplugs can introduce bacteria into the ear canal, increasing the risk of infection. You can clean earplugs with soap and water or an alcohol-based cleaner.
Second, avoid using earplugs for prolonged periods. If you use them every night, take a break every few days to let your ears breathe and prevent a buildup of earwax.
Third, consider using earplugs with a noise reduction rating (NRR) of 30 decibels or less. This will still provide enough noise reduction to improve sleep quality but will not completely block out all sounds.
Finally, have a backup plan in case of an emergency. If you sleep with earplugs in, make sure you have another way to wake up in case of a fire or other emergency. This could be as simple as setting a loud alarm clock or sleeping with one earplug in and one ear open.
Conclusion
Sleeping with earplugs can be a great way to block out unwanted noise and improve sleep quality. However, there are risks associated with using earplugs, including ear infections, earwax buildup, and safety hazards. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can minimise these risks and sleep safely with earplugs.
Are you looking for custom-moulded earplugs? Check out Custom Fit Earplugs. Our custom moulded earplugs use the individual’s ear as a mould, enabling a water-tight fit ideal for maximum protection. Contact us!
