Will frequent earplug use hurt my hearing?
Published in Health & Fitness
Q: I work in a noisy environment and often reach for earplugs. Is that safe, or can it cause problems?
A: It’s generally safe to wear earplugs — even frequently — to protect your hearing from loud noise in any environment. Exposure to blaring sound can lead to permanent hearing loss. It’s caused by damage to the sensory cells in the ear or to nerves that send sound messages to the brain.
So you’re smart to be proactive about preserving your hearing. Just consider a few caveats:
Try to keep earplugs clean (or use disposable earplugs) and make sure you insert them properly. Mention frequent use to your doctor, so he or she can check your ears for earwax buildup. And report any pain, pressure, drainage, or ongoing discomfort as soon as possible.
(Meaghan Reed, AuD, CCC-A, is a contributor to Harvard Health Publications.)
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