How to Use Earplugs Correctly 

Sydlowski’s colleague, audiologist Valerie Pavlovich Ruff, AuD, says that using earplugs at night could cause wax to build up and become impacted, which “can be very painful and require treatment by your physician.”

She also cautions that constant use of earplugs for sleep could promote the growth of bacteria in your ear canal, leading to infection. And Sydlowski says that hearing aid wearers are more vulnerable, because they’re obstructing the ability of the canal to shed wax during the day. Ideally, you’d use earplugs sometimes but give your ears a break every few nights.