Protecting your ears from loud noises is important when you have tinnitus, and can also help with managing hyperacusis, or sound sensitivity. Earplugs are a popular choice since they’re easy to use, portable, and relatively inexpensive. When used properly, earplugs can prevent tinnitus flare-ups, reduce tinnitus and hyperacusis symptoms, and improve quality of life.
Earplugs can be purchased without a prescription and are readily available for sale at both online and in-person retailers. They come in many different sizes, styles, and price points. But, this easy access has its drawbacks, as many people with tinnitus or hyperacusis find themselves overprotecting their ears, to the point of blocking out all external sounds. This can make tinnitus and other biological sounds louder, while reducing the wearer’s tolerance for external sounds, which can lead to even more distress than the tinnitus or hyperacusis alone.
Learning when and how to use earplugs when you have tinnitus or hyperacusis is important. This is one of many mistakes people make when using earplugs to manage their symptoms. Let’s explore the appropriate uses of earplugs, and the types of earplugs available today:
When To Use Earplugs
Exposure to loud noise is one of the most common reasons for wearing earplugs. This includes loud music events and sporting venues, as these noise levels are often high enough to cause hearing damage. Individuals with careers that involve exposure noise levels above 85 dB, such as construction or dentistry, risk permanent damage to the outer hair cells. Occupational loud noise exposure requires the use of hearing protection. Wearing earplugs is also recommended for loud hobbies, like shooting guns, playing music, riding motorcycles, or woodworking.
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"As a recent graduate who’s achieved stage four habituation, I cannot thank Treble Health enough for getting me to the finish line."
– Louis
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Scientists have discovered a link between damage to outer hair cells and hearing disorders, such as tinnitus or hyperacusis, though recent studies have shown several different root causes. Treating hearing loss may help treat the symptoms of tinnitus. Loud noise exposure doesn’t always lead to tinnitus or hyperacusis, but it can result in hearing loss. Researchers are still trying to understand this relationship, but there’s strong evidence that similar mechanisms can result in these hearing disorders.
Wearing earplugs is also recommended when:
- Traveling– Earplugs come in handy when traveling by airplane or train. They can block out the noise of other commuters, as well as the noisy engines. Earplugs can also make sleeping easier during travel.
- Trying to concentrate– Earplugs can be useful in noisy settings where it’s harder to stay focused, for example, a busy school lunchroom, or public transportation.
- Watching fireworks– Holidays such as the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve often feature extravagant, loud firework displays. Earplugs can reduce the noise level, and make watching fireworks safe and more enjoyable.
- Sleeping– Wearing earplugs to bed is common in a noisy environment or next to a loud snorer. Earplugs can help people fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer, which is very helpful as a lack of sleep can exacerbate symptoms of tinnitus.
When using hearing protection or earplugs, the goal is to protect one’s hearing and reduce the risk of developing or exacerbating symptoms of tinnitus or hyperacusis. This graph shows different sound levels and the maximum permissible exposure time before a sound can cause potential damage to the auditory system and one’s hearing.
A normal conversation, for example, might be around 60 dB; someone screaming would be around 85-90 dB. We can tolerate some loud sounds and not harm our hearing if the duration is short. However, it is important to note that repeated exposure to loud sounds, even for short durations, can also lead to noise-induced hearing loss.
Use earplugs in situations where the sound exceeds the recommended noise levels and duration limits. The sound from a gunshot, for example, is brief, but it is loud enough that it can potentially damage the auditory system.
Using sound level meter apps is one way to monitor and assess when it is appropriate to wear hearing protection. This can avoid overuse of earplugs.
Types of earplugs
Not all earplugs are created equal; some earplugs are better suited for people with tinnitus or hyperacusis than others. There are four main types of earplugs: foam, silicone, custom-molded, and filtered earplugs.
- Foam– These are the most common types of earplugs and the most afforadable. They can come in any color, but are usually orange or yellow. These are soft and disposable. They generally provide a high level of noise reduction. However, they can become uncomfortable if worn too long.
Foam earplugs expand to fit the ears, sometimes blocking out too much sound, which can make the tinnitus seem louder. They can be useful from time to time, like when sleeping next to a noisy partner or during an airplane ride.
- Silicone– These earplugs mold to the shape of the ears and can be purchased at most drug stores. Silicone earplugs are reusable, and provide a moderate level of noise protection. These types of earplugs don’t provide as much noise protection as foam earplugs, but they are waterproof and can be useful for keeping water out of the ears when swimming.
- Custom-molded– These earplugs are made specifically for the patient’s ears, which means they provide the best fit and comfort. Typically, an audiologist takes an impression of the ear, which involves inserting a foam block in the ear and using a syringe to insert a soft material to fill the ear canal and part of the outer ear. After a few minutes, the material hardens and gets removed from the ear. The earmold impression is then sent to a lab to be created. This will take some time, which is a drawback for some patients.
Custom molds are usually the most expensive types of earplugs and can be customized for specific uses. For example, musicians can order earplugs that lower the overall volume or decibel level without distorting sounds, and swimmers can order earplugs that block water from entering their ear canals to reduce their risk of developing an outer ear infection, like swimmer’s ears.
- Filtered earplugs– These earplugs are designed to reduce harmful noise levels while still allowing users to hear speech and ambient sounds. Filtered earplugs are recommended for people with tinnitus as they don’t completely block out sound completely (which could increase the internal sounds or tinnitus). This is similar to the custom musician plugs that lower the overall volume letter without compromising the quality of music or speech.
Filtered earplugs are also low-profile, which is ideal for people who want a discreet option that won’t attract unwanted attention in social settings.
How To Insert Earplugs Properly
Now that we know when earplugs should be used, and the types/options available, it’s time to discuss how to insert earplugs properly. This may seem pretty straightforward, but improper insertion can do more harm than good and be uncomfortable for the wearer.
Step 1: The first thing to do before inserting earplugs correctly is to wash your hands (and the earplugs if they were used before). Everyone produces wax, which can build up on the earplugs. Cleaning your hands and earplugs will help to prevent infections. This is especially important if you’re using reusable earplugs.
Step 2: Ensure your earplugs and ear canals are dry before inserting the earplugs. If you’re using foam earplugs, roll them between your fingers into a tight cylinder to help with insertion. Silicon or custom-molded earplugs should be inserted per their instructions.
Step 3: When inserting, pull the top of your ear upward. This will straighten out the ear canal and make it easier to insert the earplugs, as ear canals are S-shaped, as opposed to straight.
Step 4: Gently insert the earplug into your ear, but don’t push it in too deeply. Foam plugs will expand to fill your ear canal, while the silicone or custom-molded one should fit snugly in your ear canal without causing any discomfort. If you are using the foam plugs, you will hear some crunchy-type sounds in your ears as they expand and fill your ear. This is normal. Your earplugs should fit comfortably, without falling out of your ears. You shouldn’t feel any discomfort for an extended period of time.
To remove the earplugs, pull down on the earlobe and gently grasp the earplug. Pull it out gently from your ear. Foam earplugs may require a twist, and firm grasp to remove.
Using Earplugs With Tinnitus
When using earplugs with tinnitus symptoms, avoid overusing them to prevent worsening symptoms. This means restricting use to noisy environments reaching harmful sound levels. Wearing earplugs all the time can make your ears much more sensitive to sounds. This can make tinnitus sound even louder when you remove your earplugs. That’s because your auditory system has grown accustomed to the silence, and it will stand out like a candle in a dark room.
Exposure to sound is necessary, and we don’t want to block out sounds altogether. Retraining the auditory system is a major part of overcoming tinnitus. This reset allows the auditory system to focus more on external sounds, and less on our internal sounds, or tinnitus. It also allows us to better tolerate the wide range of sounds we’re exposed to daily.
Anxiety And Earplugs
Managing hearing disorders such as tinnitus or hyperacusis can cause mild to severe anxiety. Many fear the potential of worsening their condition when exposed to loud noises, so they try to avoid the outdoors as much as possible. Others end up overusing earplugs in an attempt to control their environment.
Overcome this anxiety by gradually reducing your reliance on earplugs. Filtered earplugs come with different strength filters and can be an effective way to reduce unnecessary earplug use while improving tinnitus. Start with the strongest filter, then move to the medium-strength filter. Over time, gradually reduce to the lowest strength filter, and eventually, try not using earplugs at all.
When you feel more comfortable, try going into a situation without hearing protection. This doesn’t mean you have to leave them at home. Having them accessible to you is always a good idea just in case there are unexpected loud sounds or if you start to feel anxious. There’s also always the option to leave the situation if it’s too loud or if you’re not feeling ready. You can always try again when you feel more comfortable.
Remember, stress and anxiety can worsen tinnitus or hyperacusis, and while you may feel a need to push yourself to the limit, it may not improve your symptoms any sooner. It’s important to push yourself a little outside of your comfort zone, but not over the edge.
Earplug Safety
Earplugs are a great tool for managing the amount of noise that reaches the eardrums. They can be especially useful for people with tinnitus or hyperacusis where loud noise exposure can trigger worsening symptoms. Earplugs can also become a health and safety hazard when misused.
Earplugs that block out all external sounds can make it harder to heed warnings. Filtered earplugs reduce harmful noise without isolating you completely, which helps prevent your hearing loss or tinnitus from becoming worse. For this reason, many people wear them when out and about in place of hearing aids designed for this purpose. However, it’s still important to hear what’s happening around you. For example, if you’re going for a walk, you want to be able to hear if someone is honking their car, trying to warn you of something. If you have noise-canceling headphones on or if you’re wearing earplugs, you may not be able to hear these sounds around you warning you of impending danger.
Earplugs shouldn’t be worn all the time. Give your ears a break if you wear earplugs regularly to avoid feeling ‘plugged up’ due to ear pressure or ear wax build-up. Constant earplug use can sometimes make tinnitus symptoms worse and even lead to ear infections from trapping moisture in the ear canal.
Choosing the wrong size or type of earplugs can be uncomfortable. An audiologist can help you choose the right type of ear protection for your lifestyle and give you advice and the tools to help improve tinnitus and hyperacusis.
Remember using earplugs properly can help protect your ears and your hearing without potentially worsening your tinnitus or hyperacusis. Just remember to choose the right type of earplugs, insert them correctly, and avoid overusing them.
Hearing Protection with the Treble Health Team
Living with hearing disorders like hyperacusis and tinnitus can feel overwhelming if left untreated. While there is no cure yet, experts believe that hearing protection can significantly reduce symptoms and lower the risk of developing hearing loss, as well as worsening tinnitus and hyperacusis.
The experts at Treble Health can help you manage tinnitus and/or hyperacusis symptoms and guide you toward the most appropriate type of hearing protection for you. The world is full of loud sounds, but you can prepare for it. Sign up now for a 20-minute complimentary telehealth session and explore your options with experienced audiologists.
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