Earplugs can be helpful if you’re subjected to loud sounds, such as for example, something as simple as a snoring spouse, or a lawnmower in your backyard, or going to a concert at an arena. Turning down the sound level is the way earplugs can help in the first two circumstances. In the last case, they bring down the decibels plus help protect your peace of mind (and possibly your marriage) by permitting you to get a good night’s sleep. But are these ear protectors, in fact, injuring your hearing?
What’s The Purpose of Using Earplugs?
It’s a fairly simple case for using earplugs: When used properly, earplugs can limit your exposure to extreme sound levels and thereby shield your ears. Maybe you’ve observed that your hearing seems different after you leave a loud venue, for instance, a football game with a loud crowd, and you may also experience symptoms of tinnitus. Those small hairs are bent by this sort of noise exposure and that’s the reason why this happens. It usually disappears within a couple of days, because the hair cells have recovered.
But in some circumstances, there is a constant assault on those tiny hairs, this is especially true if you work in a noisy industry such as construction or around jet planes. In this case, those hairs don’t heal, they are permanently damaged. you have about 16,000 of those little cells inside each cochlea, but up to 50% of them can be destroyed or at least damaged before you would see the different in a hearing test.
Is it Conceivable to Damage Your Hearing by Using Earplugs?
When it comes to safeguarding your ears, you’d think it would be a no-brainer to utilize earplugs. But particularly if you’re in situations where you’re subjected to loud noises every day (like on the job or when your significant other snores as previously stated), over-the-head earmuffs or noise-reducing (but not completely blocking) headphones are a smarter option. Earplugs aren’t well suited to day to day use but are a smarter choice for one time occasions like a sports event or a concert.
Why? The first problem is, earwax. Your ears make wax to protect themselves, and if wearing earplugs is something you do regularly, more earwax will be produced, and the earplugs will push it in further. Tinnitus and other complications can be the outcome from impacted earwax.
An ear infection can be another issue for those who use earplugs. If you repeatedly wear the same pair, and you don’t clean them between uses, they can become bacteria traps. Ear infections are, at a minimum, a painful annoyance. But at the worst-case-scenario end of the scale, they can also result in hearing loss if neglected.
How Can You Make Use of Earplugs Safely?
Earplugs nevertheless have a strong benefit, whether it’s protecting your hearing or getting a good night’s rest. You just have to be certain you’re using the correct kind and utilizing them in the right way. Foam earplugs are the least costly, which is good because you really should not reuse them, the cushy, porous material is a germ’s paradise. Don’t put wax or silicone earplugs back in until they are completely dry after utilizing warm water to entirely clean them. Accumulation of dampness can cause bacteria or mold so store your earplugs in a well ventilated place.
You may want to contact us concerning custom fit earplugs if you need or want them regularly. They are comfortable because they are crafted from molds of your ears and they are reusable. Again though, to prevent any potential hearing damage, it’s important to practice smart earplug hygiene!