Sleeping with earbuds may trigger hearing loss, say ENT specialists

September 13, 2026 2:38 am

Iyanuoluwa Abiola

Sleeping with earbuds in the ears regularly could expose users to prolonged sound and keep the ear canal blocked for hours, increasing the risk of hearing problems, earwax build-up and ear infections, ear, nose and throat experts have warned.

The specialists disclosed the risk is greater when earbuds are used at high volume or for several hours at a stretch, noting that sleeping with them could leave the ears exposed to sound continuously without the breaks recommended for safe listening.

They also cautioned that keeping earbuds inside the ear canal for prolonged periods could trap moisture and interfere with the normal movement of earwax, creating conditions that may encourage infection and other ear problems.

The World Health Organisation warns that the risk of hearing damage depends on the loudness, duration and frequency of sound exposure. It states that prolonged exposure to loud noise can initially cause temporary hearing loss or tinnitus. In contrast, repeated or continuous exposure can permanently damage sensory cells and other inner-ear structures.

WHO estimates that more than one billion people aged 12 to 35 are at risk of hearing loss because of unsafe recreational exposure to loud sounds, including sound from personal audio devices. It recommends keeping the volume below 60 percent of the maximum and taking regular breaks from listening.

The concern is also relevant in Nigeria, where a WHO regional report puts the prevalence of disabling hearing loss at 6.7 per cent. The report identifies impacted earwax, chronic otitis media and age-related hearing loss among leading causes of hearing loss in the country.

A Nigerian study involving 272 prolonged headphone and earphone users and an equal number of non-users in Kaduna found hearing loss in 17.6 per cent of the users, compared with 7.4 per cent among the control group. The researchers reported that most hearing loss among users was mild, bilateral and sensorineural, with high frequencies the most affected.

In an exclusive interview with PUNCH Healthwise, a Specialist Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon at the National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna, Dr Mustapha Lawal, noted that the effects of prolonged earphone use depend on the loudness of the sound and the length of exposure.

He noted that symptoms could appear before more serious hearing problems develop, including tinnitus, dizziness and unusual sensations in the ear.

“Long-term hearing loss; short-term, there will be some symptoms, like tinnitus, dizziness, and sensations in the ear,” Lawal explained.

Lawal explained that prolonged exposure could initially cause a temporary threshold shift, in which hearing becomes temporarily less sensitive.

He noted that the effect could occur even when the sound was not extremely loud if the exposure continued for several hours.

“If the noise is not that loud, however, it is on for several hours,” Lawal stated.

According to him, giving the ears adequate rest is important because continued exposure could allow temporary hearing changes to progress to permanent damage.

“Once it has gone through what you call a permanent threshold shift, permanent threshold shift, then that one is irreversible,” Lawal stated.

He further noted that prolonged noise exposure could affect concentration, communication and quality of life, particularly when hearing difficulties begin to interfere with everyday interactions.

Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, a Professor of Ear, Nose and Throat and Head and Neck Surgery at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State, Adoga Agida Samuel, warned that sleeping with earbuds could also affect the health of the ear canal.

Samuel explained that prolonged occlusion of the ear could encourage inflammation and infection, while some users could also react to materials used in earbuds.

He noted that wax retention was another possible problem, as accumulated earwax could block the ear canal and cause conductive hearing loss.

“Wax retention takes a while but becomes a problem because it builds up,” Samuel stated.

The professor also warned that prolonged exposure to sound above safe levels could cause temporary reductions in hearing acuity and, with continued exposure, permanent hearing damage.

“Exposure of greater than 85dB over 8 hours has different effects. Some immediate injury, causing a temporary threshold shift,” Samuel stated.

He explained that continuous exposure could eventually damage the sensory hair cells responsible for hearing.

“Persistent or continuous exposure will cause oxidative injury; many chemicals will be released, leading to hair cell death and permanent hearing loss,” Samuel stated.

Samuel advised users who experience ear pain, severe itching, tinnitus or reduced hearing not to ignore the symptoms, noting that they could indicate an underlying ear problem.

“For infections, pain and severe itching may be fungus,” Samuel stated.

He advised regular earbud users to moderate their use and avoid wearing the devices while sleeping.

“Moderate use of earbuds if it cannot be avoided. Sleep without them,” Samuel advised.

For people who regularly use earbuds, taking breaks from them and avoiding wearing them while sleeping can help reduce prolonged exposure and give the ears time to recover.

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