The best way to wear earplugs depends on what kind of earplugs you have. There are all kinds, including ones that hide discreetly in the ear canal and ones that fill up the cavity in the outer ear. A better question to ask, perhaps, is when to wear earplugs, as well as when not to wear them. Learn how to wear earplugs for the right occasion right here. If you have questions, please contact Clarity Audiology!
When to Wear Earplugs
There are different circumstances when it can help to wear earplugs for your own health.
- Sleeping in noisy environments: If you can’t stand hearing people snore or you’re in a noisy environment, wearing comfortable earplugs for sleeping is a great way to go. Getting enough rest is a huge part of your health!
- Working with loud equipment: Your lawnmower, food processor, hair dryer, or another household tool could threaten your hearing health over time. It’s worth wearing hearing protection if you sense it is too loud for your ears.
- Going to loud events: Loud events like concerts, races, clubs, and more can have extremely loud music or ambient noise that could hurt your hearing after short or long exposure. It’s worth bringing earplugs if you know there could be a risk.
- Traveling by air or public transportation: Wearing earplugs can help reduce cabin pressure when flying by airplane and protect your ears in noisy public transportation.
- Relieving stress: Wearing earplugs in noisy environments can also reduce stress, helping you function or sleep better.
When to Not Wear Earplugs
Are there times not to wear them?
- Risk of infection: Earplugs can risk germs getting into your ear from dirty hands or dirty earplugs. They can contain heat and moisture in your ear canals, fostering an ear infection.
- Risk of earwax buildup: If you experience impacted earwax more frequently than not, wearing plugs could aggravate the risk. If you have impacted earwax, you may need to get professional ear irrigation to clear it.
- Risk of skin problems: Stop wearing them if the skin in your ear canal begins to callus, scab, or itch.
- Risk of personal safety: If you are in an area where being able to pick up on subtle sounds is necessary for your safety, it’s best to avoid wearing anything that obstructs your hearing.
Finding the Right Kind of Earplugs
There are many kinds of over-the-counter variants, including foam, wax, and silicone ones. You can also find custom versions with Clarity Audiology for different hearing protection needs, including job environment, sleeping, and lifestyle.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, and Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
