Ear Pain and Tinnitus Spike from Foam Earplugs

[PeteJ]

Hi, I hope someone replies. Actually, hopefully, quite a few people...

I get anxiety whenever I experience ear pain, especially when it causes a tinnitus spike.

In this case, ironically, the pain is not from noise but from earplugs. I ran out of my usual Howard Leight Laser Lite foam earplugs, the pink and yellow ones, so a friend gave me a bag of HDX orange earplugs. I looked them up and saw that Home Depot carries them, among other places.

I tried one in my right ear. It fit, but I did not like it. Still, I managed to insert it properly, though it was not as comfortable as my usual earplugs.

Then, I decided to try one in my left ear. I suspected I would not like it, but I had just dropped one of my last two Laser Lites, so I gave it a shot. Unfortunately, as soon as I inserted it, it really hurt my ear, possibly my ear canal. Now, I have significant pain there, and it has made me feel depressed. Worse, I seem to be experiencing a tinnitus spike because of it.

I searched the forum and found that a few people have reported ear pain or issues from using or inserting earplugs. I am hoping people will share their experiences. How long did the pain last? Did you have any lasting damage? I really hope not.

I did not force the earplug in, though maybe I did not roll it tightly enough before inserting it. These orange ones are definitely harder than the softer, mushier Laser Lites, but it is not like I kept trying to insert it over and over. I just do not see how foam earplugs could cause permanent damage. Right?

I did just order a new box of 200 Laser Lites a few minutes ago, even though it cost me 40 dollars that I really did not have to spare. But I had no choice. I needed them. I still have Plexor earmuffs, but I do not want to wear those all the time.

Side note: Do not buy these orange HDX earplugs unless you have really tough ear canals. They have mixed reviews on Home Depot, and now I understand why.

Any thoughts?

 

[vilebubbles]

Yes, and the pain subsided in about four days. The spike did as well.

 

[PeteJ]

Yes, and the pain subsided in about four days. The spike did as well.

Such good news for you! I hope that applies to me as well.

I think I have some Eustachian tube dysfunction too. I can feel the sensation of air in my ear, a whooshing sound, which seems abnormal. There is a lot of pain and discomfort in my ear. As I have mentioned before, my ears are already very sensitive. If something physically touches my ear, a tree branch or anything else, it causes pain. I attribute that to some kind of nerve issue, so physical contact is very bad for me. I do not think it has anything to do with acoustic trauma or loud noise exposure.

I guess trying to insert earplugs that were too hard or the wrong shape caused physical impact that hurt my ear. I am so mad at myself because I should have known these plugs were no good! I tried them years ago, maybe a different brand but the same type, orange plugs, and I could not use them then either. The Howard Leight Laser Lites are the only ones that work for me. They are soft enough that I can insert and remove them as long as I am careful.

I have a dental cleaning next Monday, but I will probably have to cancel or reschedule now since I do not think my left ear will recover in time.

 

[vilebubbles]

Such good news for you! I hope that applies to me as well.

I think I have some Eustachian tube dysfunction too. I can feel the sensation of air in my ear, a whooshing sound, which seems abnormal. There is a lot of pain and discomfort in my ear. As I have mentioned before, my ears are already very sensitive. If something physically touches my ear, a tree branch or anything else, it causes pain. I attribute that to some kind of nerve issue, so physical contact is very bad for me. I do not think it has anything to do with acoustic trauma or loud noise exposure.

I guess trying to insert earplugs that were too hard or the wrong shape caused physical impact that hurt my ear. I am so mad at myself because I should have known these plugs were no good! I tried them years ago, maybe a different brand but the same type, orange plugs, and I could not use them then either. The Howard Leight Laser Lites are the only ones that work for me. They are soft enough that I can insert and remove them as long as I am careful.

I have a dental cleaning next Monday, but I will probably have to cancel or reschedule now since I do not think my left ear will recover in time.

I think rescheduling for now is wise, my friend.