Are you tired of listening to your spouse snoring at night? Spouse is keeping you up because he or she is making so much noise while you’re trying to catch some Z’s? Consider getting sleep plugs to help you sleep with little to no noise distraction. Read on to learn more about sleep and hearing protection.
What is Hearing Protection?
Hearing protection is an internal or external device that protects your hearing from loud noise over an extended time.
Hearing protection usually comes in the form of earplugs or earmuffs. When sleeping, earplugs or sleep plugs are preferred for better comfort.
There are sleep muffs available, but not as common as sleep plugs.
Is it Safe to Wear Earplugs While Sleeping?
It is indeed safe to wear sleep plugs at night. Sleep plugs can come in different materials. Some come in a waxy-silicone material, which is available over the counter. Some would say wax-like silicone earplugs are comfortable because it can be molded into the ear.
Some sleep plugs are available in a foam material that shrinks when applying pressure and expands when the pressure is released. Those types of sleep plugs are typically the most comfortable type of plugs.
Sleep plugs can also be custom made. They’re typically pricier than over the counter, but custom made sleep plugs can be used repeatedly and are easy to clean.
4 Best Sleep Plugs on the Market
There are four best sleep plugs available on the market. Each earplug product is different in terms of material, style, and how much noise is reduced when worn.
World’s Finest Mighty Plugs
World’s Finest Mighty Plugs is precisely what they say they are. These reusable plugs are made with hypoallergenic material, which is natural beeswax. It is also waterproof, making it great to wear in the shower or while taking a swim in the pool.
Wearers of this product revealed that World’s Finest Mighty Plugs are comfortable to wear and great for sleeping. Wearers have reported that the earplugs are great for attending a loud, live, musical concert or when quiet time is needed to focus on work or while studying. No wonder the NRR is 36dB, which makes it an excellent earplug for noise reduction.
Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs
Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs are great for those who are looking for comfort in wearing earplugs while sleeping. The earplugs consist of silicone materials, but it feels a little bit waxy. There’s no oily residue, which makes it great to wear.
Wearers of this product have reported that the snoring or noise was reduced or diminished. There’s a noise reduction rating (NRR) of 22 decibels (dB), enough to reduce some noise, such as snoring.
3M Earplugs, E-A-Rsoft Yellow Neons 312-1250
3 M Earplugs, E-A-Rsoft foamy earplugs are easy to use and comfortable to wear when sleeping. The plugs are made of a foam material that can decrease in size when rolled with pressure and slowly expands once placed in the ears.
Wearers of this product reported comfort in wearing them; at the same time, noise is reduced tremendously. There is an NRR of 33dB, which is great for sleeping, but when exposed to loud sounds on a day to day basis.
Westone Defend Ear Sleep Plugs
Westone offers its Defend Ear Sleep Plugs, which are available on the market through a hearing healthcare provider. Ear impressions are needed to make custom sleep plugs. Their custom sleep plugs are for long term use, great for everyday use, easy to clean, and comfortable to wear.
Wearers reported comfort when used while asleep or when wearing them in a noisy environment. Westone Defend Ear Sleep Plugs can have the highest NRR of 39dB depending on the type of material and style. Contact your hearing healthcare provider if you’re interested in obtaining custom sleep plugs.
Where to get Sleep Plugs?
Sleep plugs such as Mack’s Silicone plugs or 3M earplugs are available over the counter or even online. They’re typically affordable and should not break the bank.
However, if you’re looking to have custom sleep plugs made, contact your local hearing healthcare provider for ear impressions and place an order for sleep plugs. Your hearing healthcare provider will discuss the type of material used for sleep plugs and options for colors. The price range varies depending on the provider and the type of service needed.
Before seeing your hearing healthcare provider for sleep plugs, consult with your primary care doctor or ENT physician for medical clearance to obtain sleep plugs. Medical clearance is confirmation that you’re medically clear to wear devices or hearing protection in your ears without any issues.
