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Can wearing earplugs cause tinnitus or ringing in the ears?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I used to insert earplugs in my ears, but the instructional video says that if they are fitted properly, someone looking at you from the front should not be able to see them.

When I inserted one in my left ear quite far, it was still slightly visible, and I could not get it into my right ear as far, so it stuck out a bit more. I will try opening my mouth next time.

Can foam earplugs be inserted too deeply?

I have read that inserting earplugs too far can damage the eardrum, and I do not want to do that. When I began forcing the earplug into my right ear, I heard a sharp ringing that instantly went away when I stopped forcing it.

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Anuja Rajendra Sonawane

Education:

BASLP

Professional Bio:

Ms. Anuja Sonawane is an Audiology and Speech Therapist with 21 years of clinical experience. She completed her Bachelor in Audiology & Speech Language Pathology (BASLP) from the Rehabilitation Council of India in 2002. She is a healthcare professional who identifies, assesses, and manages disorders of hearing, balance, and other neural systems. She is currently practicing in Maharashtra.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The main purpose of the earplugs is to protect your hearing from damage. They are perfectly inserted, even though you cannot hear the sound. Additionally, every ear canal is of a different shape and size.

Thus, the fitting will be different. Of course, if you push the plugs deeply, it may harm your eardrum. If the plug is visible as your ear canal opening may be small.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach me again in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At May 2, 2023
Reviewed At February 26, 2026

Education:

BASLP

Professional Bio:

Ms. Anuja Sonawane is an Audiology and Speech Therapist with 21 years of clinical experience. She completed her Bachelor in Audiology & Speech Language Pathology (BASLP) from the Rehabilitation Council of India in 2002. She is a healthcare professional who identifies, assesses, and manages disorders of hearing, balance, and other neural systems. She is currently practicing in Maharashtra.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

BASLP

Professional Bio:

Ms. Anuja Sonawane is an Audiology and Speech Therapist with 21 years of clinical experience. She completed her Bachelor in Audiology & Speech Language Pathology (BASLP) from the Rehabilitation Council of India in 2002. She is a healthcare professional who identifies, assesses, and manages disorders of hearing, balance, and other neural systems. She is currently practicing in Maharashtra.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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