21 years
Do ear plugs cause any long term problems if used for long periods of time?
Sep 3, 2014
Ear plugs in and of themselves do not directly cause ear infections, yet improper use of ear plugs can be a cause of ear infections. In some cases, constant use of ear plugs hinders proper ear ventilation, which predisposes to ear pain and ear infections.
Another case where the ear plugs use may lead to infection is when there is poor hygiene of the ear and the ear plugs. If the ear canal is not cleaned properly, the ear plugs are passed from one person to another, or the ear plugs are not cleaned from time to time – bacteria can grow on the plugs and get transmitted to the ear itself.
If you happen to use ear plugs on a daily basis, it is recommended to take some precautions:
1- Opt for single use earplugs
2- Use a cleaning solution to clean the plugs and reduce the risk of bacteria growing on the ear plug.
3- Opt for hypoallergenic plugs which are less prone to cause irritation to the ear canal when used.
4- Earmuffs are a good alternative. These are the large “headphone” like devices which you put on your head and ears and that do not need to be inserted into the ear canal.
A common myth is that ear plugs can prevent ear infections during swimming. The fact of the matter is that earplugs may help avoid it, but it is the water that is usually the source of external ear infection only if the ear is not cleaned properly after swimming and the water were not clean in the first place. So keep that in mind as well.
Another case where the ear plugs use may lead to infection is when there is poor hygiene of the ear and the ear plugs. If the ear canal is not cleaned properly, the ear plugs are passed from one person to another, or the ear plugs are not cleaned from time to time – bacteria can grow on the plugs and get transmitted to the ear itself.
If you happen to use ear plugs on a daily basis, it is recommended to take some precautions:
1- Opt for single use earplugs
2- Use a cleaning solution to clean the plugs and reduce the risk of bacteria growing on the ear plug.
3- Opt for hypoallergenic plugs which are less prone to cause irritation to the ear canal when used.
4- Earmuffs are a good alternative. These are the large “headphone” like devices which you put on your head and ears and that do not need to be inserted into the ear canal.
A common myth is that ear plugs can prevent ear infections during swimming. The fact of the matter is that earplugs may help avoid it, but it is the water that is usually the source of external ear infection only if the ear is not cleaned properly after swimming and the water were not clean in the first place. So keep that in mind as well.
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