Are Earplugs Bad for Your Ears? Avoid Danger With This Guide
| Reuben Howe
Cooking a frozen pizza, writing with a fountain pen, complimenting a passer-by...
A lot of things in this life are dangerous if done incorrectly!
Thankfully, modern tech and gadgets are generally built for maximum usability with minimal fuss. Earplugs are no exception, and the latest EAR530's prove that between the manufacturer and the user, we can eliminate almost all risk posed by the incorrect use of tech.
Earplugs are no more dangerous than in-ear Bluetooth earbuds or even over-ear headphones, it's all about following the proper procedure to avoid any potential unsafe practices.
Precaution 1: Learn How to Put Earplugs In
One mistake a lot of new earplug users make is to see the simple design, work out which end goes in their ear, and jam it in all within 5 seconds of opening the box!
While silicone ear tips are soft and pliable for this exact reason, it's still worth taking a moment to properly understand the design of your specific earplugs.
There are a few things to check when putting earplugs in:
- Earplug Size
- Earplug Shape
- Earplug Features
These factors all change how you should insert your ear plugs (especially before bed!).
Choosing Earplug Size
A good pair of earplugs will come with multiple sets of replaceable ear tips. The earbud will have a short protrusion where you can slip on different sized silicone ear tips. These are the bit that actually enter your ear, so it is vital that you use the correct size.
Using earbuds which are too small will result in one of two things.
Either the earbud base is too small and the earbud intrudes into your ear further than intended, which could put unnecessary pressure inside your ear canal and potentially disrupt your sensitive oscillatory bones.
Or the earbud tip is too small and the noise reduction effect of the earbud cannot work properly, not to mention the earbud could fall out and be lost forever in your duvet cover.
Using earbuds which are too large will result in one of two things.
Either the earbud base is too large and the earbud cannot rest inside your ear well, which can lead to the earbud protruding out your ear. This can lead to it being caught on something, or simply fall out on its own.
Or the earbud tip is too large and puts unnecessary pressure on the ear canal and ear in general. The bud may feel secure, but over time this can cause discomfort and damage your skin.
So, choosing the right size through some trial and error is vital. It's okay to try a larger or smaller bud for 30 mins or so to get a feel for them, but make sure that for extended use you have comfortable, fitted earbuds which don't fall out but also don't pressure your ear.
Accounting for Earplug Shape
Once the size is sorted, you might have to put your earplugs in differently if they are made with an angular shape.
Some earbuds are like cones, and can only go in one way (Or rather, fit the same no matter which way they are put in).
However, some have an angle before the ear tip. This enables the earbud to hold a noise reduction disc or other design parallel to the ear while simultaneously having the ear tip inside.
If you have an angled pair, you must ensure they are inserted at the right angle. This should be the angle points "out", away from your ear canal and facing outwards.
If you have the earbuds facing forwards (towards your cheek), backwards (towards your neck), or downwards (towards your shoulder) then the ear tip may be resting in the wrong place and you could be prone to having the bud pulled out or made loose.
Utilising Earplug Features
Finally, if your earplugs have features like a removable noise reduction disc, then make sure the earplugs are inserted in a way that is safe for those components. In most cases this simply means having the right size buds at the right angle, but some with have specific grooves designed to rest in your outer ear or bits of tech which reduce noise, and these should always be ensured to be safely outside your ear canal.
Precaution 2: Hygiene and Washing Before Use
If you're using disposable earbuds then make sure they have been stored away from moisture and dust, and preferably in an airtight container.
Particulates like dust and dirt can cause havoc if allowed to enter your ear on the end of an earbud.
For other earbuds which are reusable such as silicone earbuds, are they safe?
Silicone earbuds are safe with frequent washing and good practice.
The EAR530 silicone earbuds, for example, feature removable metal disc so that you can safely wash the silicone loop, and the ear tips themselves, with water.
This is quick, easy, and designed to encourage frequent washing. Make sure you dry the earbuds without leaving strands of kitchen towel or cloth fibres on them!
Afterwards, you can slot the metal noise reduction disc back into the silicone cover.
Precaution 3: Adjust for Sleeping
Is it bad to sleep with earplugs? If you make sure you have minimal obtrusion from your ear and your earplugs have removable components so only flexible silicone remains, then yes
Many of us use earplugs for sleeping (anyone married to a snorer out there?), rather than work or travel. While earbuds are suitable for sleeping, there are some considerations to avoid any risks.
Firstly, you must ensure that earplugs for sleeping are not obtruding from your ear. You can check this with a mirror, by holding the mirror up directly ahead of you and looking straight on. If the earbud protrudes beyond the frame of your ear and earlobe, then you may need to adjust the ear tip size or earbud angle so that you can minimise the risk of putting pressure on your inner ear as you sleep.
If the earbud obtrudes too far, it could be pushed harshly into your ear if you lay on your side. Or, the earbud could be pulled out and potentially lost or damaged.
Secondly, if your earbuds have removable components, most brands recommend these are removed. While conscious we are able to safely wear the earbuds with the metal disc inserted, but overnight we may not notice it be forced out-of-place as we move in our sleep, and it could fall further into the ear, or become damaged or lost.
Enjoy the Quiet Life
Once you've found the right fit for you, put them in at the right angle, kept them clean and adjusted them for sleep you will have a hassle-free noise reduction experience!
There's not much more to using these earbuds than common sense, but you can never be too careful or clear when it comes to ears and ear safety. Ears are sensitive and the tiny oscillatory bones that make them work need to be treated well to avoid long-lasting effects.
It's unlikely a pair of silicone ear plugs would cause any of those effects, but follow this guide to lower the risk entirely!
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