Regularly sleeping with earbuds in the ears could increase the risk of hearing problems, earwax build-up and ear infections, ear, nose and throat specialists have warned.
The experts said the risk becomes greater when earbuds are used at high volume or for several hours continuously, as sleeping with them can expose the ears to sound for prolonged periods without the breaks needed for safer listening.
They also warned that keeping earbuds inside the ear canal for extended periods may trap moisture and interfere with the natural movement of earwax, creating conditions that could encourage infections and other ear-related problems.
The World Health Organisation says the risk of hearing damage is influenced by the loudness, duration and frequency of sound exposure. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can cause temporary hearing loss or ringing in the ears, while repeated or continuous exposure may permanently damage the sensory cells and structures of the inner ear.
The WHO estimates that more than one billion people aged between 12 and 35 are at risk of hearing loss from unsafe recreational exposure to loud sounds, including personal audio devices.
It recommends keeping audio volume below 60 per cent of the device’s maximum and taking regular breaks when listening.
The warning is particularly relevant in Nigeria, where a WHO regional report estimates the prevalence of disabling hearing loss at 6.7 per cent.
The report lists impacted earwax, chronic middle-ear infection and age-related hearing loss among major causes of hearing impairment in the country.
A Nigerian study involving 272 prolonged headphone and earphone users found hearing loss in 17.6 per cent of the users, compared with 7.4 per cent among people who did not use the devices.
The researchers reported that most cases among users were mild, affected both ears and involved damage to the inner ear, with higher-frequency sounds showing greater impact.
Health experts therefore advise users to avoid excessive volume, limit prolonged earbud use and give the ears regular periods of rest.
