Sleeping with earphones can cause hearing damage

Medical experts are warning that wearing earphones overnight can cause significant harm, including ear infections and potential hearing loss. The habit, increasingly common among those seeking to block out noise, creates a sealed environment within the ear canal that prevents ventilation.

This lack of airflow traps moisture, fostering an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Dr. Alonoy of Stanford University School of Medicine explains that this can lead to otitis externa, or swimmer's ear. The risk is amplified if earphones are worn after showering without thoroughly drying the ear canal. Experts advise using a hairdryer on a low setting to dry ears before sleep and seeking immediate treatment for symptoms like ear pain, itching, or discharge.

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Earphones that block the ear canal seal the external auditory canal, hindering the discharge of internal moisture.

Furthermore, long-term earphone use can interfere with the ear's natural self-cleaning mechanism. Dr. Schwam of Mount Sinai Hospital notes that earphone tips can push earwax deeper into the canal, causing it to harden. This impaction can result in daytime symptoms such as ear fullness, itching, and tinnitus. In some cases, the materials of the earphones themselves, like plastic or rubber, have been reported to cause allergic reactions and spread inflammation.

To preserve hearing, the World Health Organization recommends limiting exposure to sounds above 80 decibels to 40 hours per week. Dr. Schwam suggests keeping sleep-time audio volumes below 60-70 decibels, equivalent to normal conversation. As alternatives, otolaryngologists recommend open-type earphones that do not fully block the ear canal or the use of sleep headbands with flat speakers. Pillow speakers, in particular, can prevent moisture buildup and hearing damage by design. Ultimately, experts emphasize that avoiding earphones during sleep and reducing ambient noise are the safest ways to ensure a healthy sleep environment.

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Earphone tips can push earwax deeper into the ear canal, causing it to harden.