Choosing Earplugs For Small Ear Canals
If you have a spouse who snores heavily every night, then you may have a difficult time trying to get some shuteye. Earplugs can help to block out the noise, but you if you have relatively narrow ear canals, then most earplugs may not work for you. Keep reading to find some that are comfortable for you.
Go For Wax Varieties
The vast majority of earplugs are made from foam, but the foam can place too much pressure on small ear canals. This can cause wax compaction, a ruptured eardrum, or an ear infection. In some cases, the pressure buildup can prevent the natural drainage of fluid from the ear, and you may feel dizzy since your equilibrium will be affected by the pressure change. Tight earplugs can cause irritation and lead to long-lasting inflammation and pain as well.
While some foam plugs come in small, medium, and large sizes, it is better to skip them altogether. Opt for wax plugs instead. Wax earplugs are made from paraffin wax, which is the same material used to make candles. This wax is covered with cotton to create a soft and pliable plug. Since the earplugs can be molded to fit any sized ear canal, they are perfect for small canals where other types of earplugs do not work. Simply roll the earplug into a ball and gently push it into the ear. Push only until you create a seal and gently smooth out the exterior portion of the wax to create a rounded surface.
When you are done with the plugs, pull them out gently. You can reuse them, but you do not need to reshape the wax every evening. Do so only if the wax no longer forms a tight seal.
Look For Silicone
If you like the idea of the wax earplugs but find that they fall out during the evening, then look for silicone options instead. Some silicone earplugs act like foam ones and stick into the ear. However, others are moldable varieties. Look for ones that can be molded and inserted like wax. Roll the silicone between the fingers to warm it up and to ensure its pliable. Then insert the plug like you would the wax type.
Unlike wax, the silicone will expand a small amount. This will create a small amount of pressure, but it will also help to create a tighter seal and keep the plug in the ear canal at night. Keep in mind that silicone plugs can be reused, like wax ones. However, the silicone will lose its elasticity after about five to ten uses, so you may need to buy these plugs more often.
If you want to know more about sleep earplugs and which options are best for you, speak with your physician or a sleep expert.
