Expert: Dina Q Goldin, Ph.D. - 4/3/2009

Question
Hello,

I'm not sure if you handle these types of questions, but there is no one else on this site who seems to do so...

I've been using earplugs for sleeping for years. Certain plastic ear plugs cause cyst acne near my ears, so I switched to silicone ear plugs about 6 months ago. In the last 3 months I would sometimes loose hearing in one ear for 1-2 hours in the morning after removing the plugs. Since Sunday (5 days ago) I've only had about 20% hearing or less in my left ear. This time it started after I took a shower. I am experiencing no pain. I suspect it may be from how the silicone plugs are so tight and how they completely seal off the ear canal. Do I need to see a doctor now or should I wait? Is there anything I can do on my own? Thanks

Answer
If your hearing loss is one-sided, ear plugs are not likely to be the direct cause, since they work the same on both sides.  There can be many causes of one-sided hearing loss, from an infection to a tumor. However, the ear plugs might be a contributing factor to an infection, by sealing off your ears for so many hours a day, sealing in the moisture and the bacteria, and encouraging infections to develop. Please see an ENT to determine the cause of the hearing loss.  Meanwhile, you may want to make sure that your ears and your earplugs are always clean and dry (i.e. swab them with alcohol and dry out thoroughly).