In the past few years, I became a habitual earplug user to manage hyperacusis, wearing them for almost everything, including vacuuming, public transport, doing dishes, and more. However, I only recently learned how to insert them properly. That is also when I likely started increasing the risk of pulling them out incorrectly, potentially causing damage from suction.
Most of the time, I have removed earplugs without issue. But two clear "suction" incidents in the last three days have made me aware of the potential dangers to my eardrum and possibly to what had been causing previous hyperacusis pain.
The first incident happened when I pressed on my tragus too hard to block my ear. When I released it, there was suction and a popping sound, which was completely unexpected and fairly traumatic. Lesson 1.
The second incident was last night at a small but loud concert where noise levels peaked at 100 dB. The earplug in my right, more sensitive ear was inserted deeply, and I had trouble removing it. Even though I was as gentle as possible, I am certain there was some suction. That ear now feels full and slightly "altered" in terms of frequency perception today. Lesson 2.
While I feel that using earplugs last night was fully justified, I am hopeful I will recover from last night's minor suction incident just as I did from the earlier, stronger one. Still, these experiences have been red flags about habitually using earplugs for non-damaging sounds.
As others have mentioned, frequent earplug use may reduce stress, but it does not really help me adjust. At this point, I would rather endure a bit of stress from loud but harmless sounds than risk the potentially dangerous suction effects of earplug removal, which could result in immediate damage.
Moving forward, I am planning to deal with sound exposure more carefully, even if it means tolerating occasional ear pain. I will switch to Doc's ProPlugs for truly aggravating noise. These vented plugs do not create suction when removed. Even with these, I will aim to use them sparingly.
I hope this helps others who may be navigating similar challenges.
Let me know if you need any further tweaks!
Most of the time, I have removed earplugs without issue. But two clear "suction" incidents in the last three days have made me aware of the potential dangers to my eardrum and possibly to what had been causing previous hyperacusis pain.
The first incident happened when I pressed on my tragus too hard to block my ear. When I released it, there was suction and a popping sound, which was completely unexpected and fairly traumatic. Lesson 1.
The second incident was last night at a small but loud concert where noise levels peaked at 100 dB. The earplug in my right, more sensitive ear was inserted deeply, and I had trouble removing it. Even though I was as gentle as possible, I am certain there was some suction. That ear now feels full and slightly "altered" in terms of frequency perception today. Lesson 2.
While I feel that using earplugs last night was fully justified, I am hopeful I will recover from last night's minor suction incident just as I did from the earlier, stronger one. Still, these experiences have been red flags about habitually using earplugs for non-damaging sounds.
As others have mentioned, frequent earplug use may reduce stress, but it does not really help me adjust. At this point, I would rather endure a bit of stress from loud but harmless sounds than risk the potentially dangerous suction effects of earplug removal, which could result in immediate damage.
Moving forward, I am planning to deal with sound exposure more carefully, even if it means tolerating occasional ear pain. I will switch to Doc's ProPlugs for truly aggravating noise. These vented plugs do not create suction when removed. Even with these, I will aim to use them sparingly.
I hope this helps others who may be navigating similar challenges.
Let me know if you need any further tweaks!
