Ear Specialists Warn Sleeping in Earbuds Can Raise Infection Risk as Small Studies Show Sleep Gains
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 12
Ear Specialists Warn Sleeping in Earbuds Can Raise Infection Risk as Small Studies Show Sleep Gains
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 12
Ear specialists said wearing earbuds to sleep is often acceptable, but in-ear models can trap moisture and raise the risk of ear infections.
That risk is higher with earbuds that form a tight seal because the ear canal also needs to vent moisture, not just admit sound.
Night showering can leave extra water in the ears, and Johns Hopkins surgeon Dr. Carrie Nieman advised drying them with a blow dryer on a low setting before bed.
Small studies in health care workers found bedtime earbud use improved sleep quality and left users feeling more rested, helping explain the habit's appeal.
Could a blow dryer be the surprising secret to preventing earbud-related infections?
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