Your earplugs can harden and become rigid if they are covered in a lot of earwax and skin oils from your ear canal. This loss of flexibility will prevent you from getting a good seal when you use your earplugs. [1] X Research source [2] X Research source Your ear canal connects your outer ear with your eardrum. It makes earwax, which is a mixture of shed skin cells, a little bit of dust, and a fat-like secretions from the glands in the canal. The secretions from the glands lubricate the ear canal and fight off infections from bacteria and fungi. [3] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source When you insert earplugs covered with stains and other materials, you run the risk of overwhelming your ear canal’s natural defenses with too much dirt and germs. [4] X Research source
Reusable earplugs can be made from a variety of materials. The more common reusable earplugs are made from pre-molded silicone rubber, vinyl, other hypoallergenic synthetic rubbers, and foam covered in a special material or “skin”. These types of earplugs can be used more than once because they are very durable and long-lasting when washed properly. But, they are not indestructible and must be replaced. [6] X Research source [7] X Research source [8] X Research source
Keep track of your small earplugs. Put your earplugs in a fine mesh bags used for produce, close the bag with a rubber band, and wash them in the dishwasher. [10] X Research source You can put your earplugs in a delicates washing bag when you clean them in the washing machine. Be careful not to damage your earplugs.
Buy a new toothbrush just for this purpose. A used toothbrush, even if it has been cleaned, will still have bacteria from your mouth on it.
Using moist earplugs can lead to irritation, pain, or infection. The skin in your ear canal does not respond well to extra moisture. [18] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source [19] X Research source
Your reusable earplugs will last from a couple of weeks to several months. It depends on how often you use your earplugs, how often you clean them, what type of earplugs you buy as well as where and how you store them. [22] X Research source
Your earplugs can push earwax deeper into your canal where it builds up and hardens. You may develop ear pain, ringing in your ears, irritation, infection, discharge and even hearing loss. [25] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Materials, like uncovered foam and soft wax, used in single-use or disposable ear plugs are not designed to be cleaned with soapy water or alcohol. If your disposable ear plugs are no longer soft and pliable, they cannot form a good fit in your ears. [27] X Research source
