Khaberni - Doctors warn that frequent or daily use may cause serious health problems.
The most notable of these problems:
Earwax accumulation:
Some people use earplugs daily while sleeping or when needing to eliminate surrounding noise, but doctors warn that this habit can cause earwax to accumulate in the auditory canal, which may lead to hearing problems or even serious infections.
Health experts explain that earplugs obstruct the ear's natural self-cleaning mechanism, which relies on jaw movement to push earwax out.
Increased risk of infections:
When using the same earplugs daily and frequently, and without proper sterilization, bacteria and fungi accumulate on them, causing external ear infections or what is known as otomycosis. Therefore, doctors advise keeping earplugs in a clean and sterile place, and not using them multiple times without sterilization.
Not suitable for everyone:
Paradoxically, complete isolation from sounds does not suit everyone; while it helps some sleep, it increases anxiety in others, making them focus on the sounds of their internal bodies, and thereby increasing sleep disturbances.
Guidelines for safe use:
Preferably use earplugs temporarily, such as while traveling on airplanes or in places where noise is disturbing.
Continuously change disposable earplugs, and sterilize reusable earplugs after each use.
Choose earplugs of the right size for ear openings to avoid excessive pressure or poor sound isolation.
Stop using immediately and consult a doctor if symptoms such as pain, discharges, persistent itching, or hearing loss occur.
