Are Earbuds Sleeping Hazardous?

earbuds sleep

For many people, listening to music before sleep is a bedtime ritual that helps them wind down. Listening to soothing music, calming nature sounds, or a podcast can relax the mind and help fall asleep. It can also be a way to block out unwanted noises such as street traffic or a snoring partner. For those with tinnitus, using earbuds to play masking sounds can improve the quality of their sleep by drowning out the sound.

While there are many positives to sleeping with headphones on, it’s important to keep in mind that long-term use of earbuds can lead to hearing loss. This occurs if the earbuds are used at high volumes for extended periods of time, which can result in damage to the inner ear. If the outer ear canal is also damaged, it can cause permanent hearing loss.

This can be avoided by taking steps to reduce earbud-related risk factors. These include ensuring that the headphones fit properly, using the lowest possible volume, removing them before going to sleep, and not placing any object inside of your ears (such as cotton swabs or fingers). Specialized earbuds designed for sleeping can also be purchased that are soft and minimize pressure on the ears. These can be especially helpful for those who tend to sleep on their side, as they can help eliminate the achy, bruised feeling that results from earbuds pushing into the ear canal.

A study found that people who slept with earbuds on a regular basis had lower quality sleep than those who did not. The authors of the study suggested that it may be due to the fact that earbuds restrict airflow around the ear and reduce circulation, leading to poor sleep. The acoustic quality of the earbuds was also found to be lower in those who used earbuds regularly, compared to those who did not.

Another issue with earbuds for sleep is that the eardrums can be impacted by their constant vibration. This is known as tinnitus, and can be a painful condition that affects the ears and nerves, making it difficult to sleep. It can also cause other symptoms such as dizziness, balance issues, and vertigo. It is important to try and limit the amount of time you are wearing earbuds to avoid this problem.

Depending on the situation, it may be necessary to use earbuds for sleep. However, it’s important to know the risks involved so you can decide if it is right for your needs. If you do decide to sleep with earbuds on, it is recommended that you choose a pair of specialized earbuds designed for sleeping or white noise devices. Also consider a comfortable pillow and trying to sleep on your back instead of your side. In addition, it is important to remove the earbuds before waking up and to not wear them while engaging in activities that require you to use your hands or speak. This can help prevent tinnitus and other complications.