Silicone Ear Plugs for Sleeping
Silicone ear plugs for sleeping are devices made to be inserted into the ear canals to assist in prevention of noise, water and other irritants being introduced into the ear. Silicone ear plugs come with a Noise Reduction Rating (aka NRR) which indicates the amount of noise reduction in decibels that a particular earplug will provide. The average noise reduction of silicone earplugs is between 4 and 31 decibels depending on the manufacturer.
Types
Today silicone ear plugs for sleeping usually come in one of three main designs.
1. Hard molded silicone
2. Non-reusable "gummy" silicone
3. Moldable, bullet shaped, reusable silicone
The hard molded ones are permanently shaped to fit the inside of the ear and auditory canal. This type can be uncomfortable because they are hard and can put pressure on the inside of the ear if you attempt to lie on your side. They are not very effective for noise reduction since they do not change shape to conform to the exact contours of the inside of the ear. The moldable silicone conforms to the ear canal and gives great noise reduction, however, they are soft, and dirt and debris can stick to them easily and they can be difficult to properly clean. These are also the easiest to use and by far the most comfortable because they are soft and do conform to the inside of the ear canal. They are also best at staying in place since they do form a fairly tight seal inside the ear. The Non-reusable gummy ones are easily shaped to the ear and if they are too large they can be cut in half and kneaded into shape. They are disposable and not intended to be used more than once. Oils and wax as well as dirt sticks to them easily and cannot be removed. This is the most effective noise reduction option. The disposables seal off the ear canal completely when inserted correctly, which allows them to eliminate noise. The catch to this is that when you are trying to sleep, the seal can cause the pounding of your own heartbeat to be a distractive noise. On the other hand silicone is reported to be very effective against the noise of snoring by either oneself or one's partner.
Health Risks
Even though we all use over the counter products, health risks are associated with any product or artificial substance introduced into the body. Awareness of possible problems is the first step in preventing them. When inserting silicone ear plugs that are tightly fitted, air pressure can rise toward the eardrum causing pain. On the opposite side, when removing tight fitting ear plugs the negative pressure pulls on the eardrum. They can push ear wax and debris deep into the ear canal which can cause tinnitus, ear infection and hearing loss. With any product there is always a possibility of allergic reaction, although today's earplugs have antimicrobial properties. They can also occasionally irritate temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) if you already have this condition. Silicone users in particular have reported incidences of crumbling earplugs getting debris so far into the ear canal that it was necessary to have it medically removed. For more medical information on the use of ear plugs go to http://www.WebMD.com.
Tips to Reduce Health Risks Associated with use of Silicone Ear Plugs for Sleeping
1. Always keep ears clean inside and out.
2. Never use them if they are dirty.
3. When inserting them, push gently and slowly.
4. Never insert past the point where you can grab the end of the plug for removal.
5. To avoid damage to the eardrum gently twist and wiggle the plug when removing.
6. Always inspect them for damage or dirt before you insert them into the ear.
These tips should assure minimal risk in the use of silicone ear plugs for sleeping.
Ear plugs can range in price from .00 to over 0.00 for custom ear orthotics. You should always choose the model and style most comfortable for you and check the NRR rating before purchasing. In order to determine if a plug is right for you, you are going to need a "test drive". You will need to wear them lying down, turning over and walking around in order to determine if they sufficiently reduce the noise and whether they are comfortable enough and will stay in place while you are wearing them. Unfortunately, this usually means you will have to purchase a pair in order to try them.
When using silicone ear plugs for sleeping, there are a few other things you might try in conjunction with the plugs to ensure a noise free and restful night's sleep. You could add a sleeping mask to your arsenal of sleep tools or just make sure it is dark where you are trying to sleep, keep regular sleeping hours, get a little exercise every day, eat light at night, avoid stimulants and try to have a period of relaxation before lying down to try to sleep.
Silicone ear plugs for sleeping are the easiest and most effective way to reduce noise at bedtime. They form a tighter seal in the ear canal than earplugs made of other materials, thereby blocking more sleep disturbing noise than other types. With a large choice of models and styles in silicone, you should be able to find a plug that is just right for you.
