2023-05-22 13:13:55
Whether you want to block out outside noise, listen to relaxing white noise, or enjoy a good night’s sleep, earplugs can help.
On the other hand, listening to music with earbuds is like putting small speakers in your ear and not the safest way to lull yourself to sleep. In fact, earplugs can be linked to hearing loss and some types of ear infections in recent years.
Let’s explore the effects of sleeping with earplugs and suggest alternatives to wearing them.
Why people sleep with earplugs in
Sleeping with earplugs can have all kinds of benefits. Here are some reasons why people sleep with earplugs in.
1. For relaxing white noise
There are many habits that people develop to sleep better. For example, some people find certain soothing background sounds good enough to lull them to sleep.
Sleeping in complete silence can be unnerving, especially if you’re not used to it, keeping your ears listening, eyes open, and mind alert.
White noise helps mask sounds, promoting better sleep.
The human mind can get used to sounds of nature, such as rain, or static sounds, such as the humming of a fan. These sounds can help your brain recognize when it’s time to sleep. Since the human brain works better on a schedule, hearing these sounds more often at night can become part of your routine to go to sleep.
2. To shut out outside noises
Earplugs can block out ambient sounds that can disrupt a natural sleep pattern. The music and active noise cancellation in some earbuds make sleeping easier at night, even with a snoring partner, noisy neighbors and traffic noise.
Frequent travelers also find earplugs useful to neutralize aircraft engine noise and block out noise from other passengers.
3. Not to disturb other people
Many people share a relaxation room with roommates. And because different people have different tastes in music, the people you live with may not like your choice of music. Also, some people just don’t like music playing while they sleep, so wearing earplugs can be a useful option.
4. Treat insomnia
The common goals of people who sleep with earplugs in are usually to relax and fall asleep faster. Falling asleep quickly is not always easy for everyone. Fortunately, people who suffer from sleep deprivation can feel calmer if they listen to soothing music before going to sleep.
Listening to certain types of music helps beat insomnia. This is due to the relaxing effects of music on the mind. Then don’t listen too long; prolonged loud music could keep you in a state of wakefulness.
5. For better sound quality
The quality of your sleep is just as important as the amount you get. Loud, muffled sounds from low-quality speakers are annoying and can wake you up from a deep sleep. That’s where earplugs come in.
Most earplugs are designed to improve the quality of the sound you listen to.
What are the dangers of wearing earplugs while you sleep?
There are many potential side effects of constantly wearing earplugs to bed. Here are some of the most notable potential risks and side effects you could experience.
1. Otitis externa
Otitis externa develops when the external auditory canal becomes inflamed, and ear plugs are possible culprits for this condition. The condition is oftenswimmer’s earbecause repeated exposure to water can make the ear canal more vulnerable to inflammation.
The ear canal is very delicate and wearing devices that block the ear canal can damage it, leading to the condition.
Essentially, the earbuds rub against the inside of the ear, causing moisture to build up that leads to painful swelling and irritation. Symptoms are itching in the ear canal, ear pain, fluid discharge from the ear and temporary hearing loss.
2. Earwax formation
One of the side effects of long-term use of earplugs is excessive earwax. Prolonged insertion of earplugs far into the ear canal can lead to earwax build-up. Excessive earwax buildup causes discomfort and can affect hearing.
3. Hearing loss
When you think of possible causes of hearing loss, you probably think of loud noises, accidents or explosives. However, one of the most common causes of hearing loss is the use of earplugs.
When you’re conscious, you can easily tell how loud your music is, but when you doze off, the volume can go up without you being aware of it. Like in this NIDCD article about noise-induced hearing loss, prolonged listening to loud sounds is a possible cause of hearing loss.
Alternatives to sleeping with earplugs in
There are many alternatives to sleeping with earplugs in, and they are not necessarily very expensive. Let’s jump right in.
1. High quality speakers
Some speakers provide great sound quality.
If you need the privacy of in-ear headphones without the dangers of earplugs, a pillow speaker can be an ideal solution. Some cushion speakers include high-quality built-in cushioned speakers that provide comfort and great stereo sound.
2. Lifestyle changes
Some people have a hard time falling asleep without listening to something, and making gradual lifestyle changes can help improve your rest.
Avoiding alcohol and caffeine in the evening, having a consistent bedtime routine, and avoiding phones before bed are all helpful bedtime habits. Other non-musical alternatives to sleeping with earplugs include meditation, exercise and the use of natural supplements.
3. Earmuffs
You can improve the quality of your sleep by putting on earmuffs. These inexpensive accessories can help make your sleep quiet and restful. Soundproof earmuffs can make sleeping much more restful and peaceful.
You can also find them with built-in speakers to still listen to your relaxing music.
Do not wear earplugs for long hours
Occasionally sleeping with earplugs is not too harmful. Listening to music on your earbuds is actually therapeutic and can be helpful for people who need some sound to help them fall asleep.
However, if your sleep routine involves sleeping with earplugs every night, then that’s a problem. Sleeping with earplugs in can irritate the ear canal and in extreme cases cause hearing loss. But with awareness and some effort, it is possible to avoid all this.
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