Sleeping with earplugs can significantly increase your quality of sleep because they help block out loud noise.
As a general rule, they are safe however, overtime earplugs can be responsible for creating a build-up of ear wax. They can also cause ear infections due to bacteria growth on the earplugs themselves. If you take proper care to maintain your earplugs, you’ll minimise this risk.
Wax. Wax earplugs are easy to mould to the size of your ear. They’re a good choice for both sleeping and swimming since they’re waterproof.
Silicone. Hard silicone earplugs have the added benefit of being reusable, but they’re usually uncomfortable for sleeping, especially if you’re a side-sleeper. Soft silicone earplugs work similarly to wax ones and provide a more comfortable fit.
Foam. Foam earplugs are the most inexpensive option. They’re also soft, which makes them a good choice for sleeping. However, they are made from porous material which makes them a good environment for bacteria, so you’ll need to replace them often.
You can also talk to your audiologist about custom-made earplugs. This involves making a mold of your ear canal and creating a pair of reusable earplugs that matches the shape of your ear. Custom earplugs tend to be more expensive than off-the-shelf brands.
At Casey Hearing, we’re specialists in fitting custom earplugs for sleeping made from soft silicone material. We also offer a range of proprietary hearing protection solutions designed to suit your needs and budget.
If you or someone you know would like to improve the quality of their sleeping by reducing noises such as snoring or dogs barking, book an appointment to see our audiologist for custom-made earplugs.