Just out of curiosity...could earplugs being worn on somewhat of a daily basis become a risk of hearing loss? I only wear them on a daily basis because they help me focus on what I need to do around the house. My mind tends to drift off and focus on other things, which makes it harder for me to focus on what I really need to do. My left ear has started to become a touchie bit sensitive when I put in an earplug to block off noise (I don't wear them much at night), and I'm worried as to whether my left ear could be starting to lose hearing (I can hear with my left ear just fine right now).
2006-07-16 04:18:32 · 6 answers · asked by killerwhalesrule19 3 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Hi! I'm an Audiologist.
Ear plugs will not damage your hearing. As one person suggested, if you put something too deep in your ear, you could damage the eardrum or other structure -- but if that was the case, you'd have bleeding and excruciating pain, and would have probably gone to the Dr. by now.
Another possibility is that by wearing ear plugs frequently, the ear produces more wax, and the plug keeps the wax from working its way out of the ear -- this happens with hearing aid wearers, too.
I also find the foam earplugs very uncomfortable. Another option for you is to bet custom molded ear plugs. They can be made with a variety of purposes. A full silicone plug will block noise and keep the ears dry when swimming or bathing.
Musician's plugs are designed to attenuate the sound more evenly, so it seems more like someone turned the volume down on the world, rather than having a muffled, distorted sound quality -- they go deeper in the ear canal, but actually are not as full, so they are more comfortable that the full plug.
Another option are high-frequency noise filters that minimize mostly the high-pitched sounds, but also serve the purpose of gradual pressure regulation when flying, so there is less ear discomfort.
So depending on your needs, there are several options available. I'll give you a couple links, and you can check your local yellow-pages for Audiologists in your area.
2006-07-16 05:29:12 · answer #1 · answered by HearKat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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2016-09-10 21:44:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Earplugs will not cause a hearing loss unless you insert them too far. If you have only been using them for a short period of time then your ears are not used to them.The sensitivity should go away after some time. I have heard of people getting ear infections with extended use but, I believe this is rare.
2006-07-16 04:39:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a rumor that earplugs causes hearing loss. They are made to design to protect ears from noise which causes due to many reasons like snoring, factory work, music etc.
2015-02-13 15:51:59 · answer #4 · answered by Darren 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gee.....If thats true,......I wonder what could happen to those people who use butt plugs, vibrators, and ben - wah balls????
2006-07-16 04:32:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think so but don't go by me
2006-07-16 04:21:00 · answer #6 · answered by fb0581 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋