Will Earplugs Make Tinnitus Worse?

High-fidelity (musician's) earplugs:
Noise-induced hearing loss can change or worsen tinnitus in a big way. The problem is that many earplugs make it hard to enjoy yourself in certain environments because they muffle and distort the sounds you hear.

Can you wear earplugs with tinnitus?

If you have tinnitus, you should not wear any kind of earplugs that make it more difficult to hear, except when exposed to very loud noises.

Does wearing earplugs make tinnitus worse?

Ear plugs do not cause tinnitus or make tinnitus worse.

This can mean the first time people notice tinnitus is when they wear ear plugs as up to then it was always being drowned out. ... One of the many causes of tinnitus is simply getting older, especially if then compounded by stress or lack of sleep.

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Consumer Tech & Gadget Reviewer

Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.