RismadarVoice Reporters
September 13, 2026
Ear, nose and throat specialists have warned that regularly sleeping with earbuds could increase the risk of hearing problems, earwax build-up and ear infections.
The experts said prolonged exposure to sound, particularly at high volumes, could damage hearing, while keeping earbuds in the ear canal for several hours may trap moisture and interfere with the natural movement of earwax.
A Specialist ENT Surgeon at the National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna, Dr Mustapha Lawal, said the effect of prolonged earphone use depends largely on the volume and duration of exposure.
According to him, users may initially experience symptoms such as tinnitus, dizziness and unusual sensations in the ear before permanent hearing damage occurs.
Lawal explained that prolonged exposure could cause a temporary reduction in hearing sensitivity, which could become irreversible if exposure continues without adequate rest.
Professor of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State, Adoga Agida Samuel, also warned that sleeping with earbuds could contribute to ear canal inflammation, infections and wax retention.
He said continuous exposure to loud sounds could damage the sensory hair cells responsible for hearing, potentially resulting in permanent hearing loss.
Samuel advised people who experience ear pain, severe itching, tinnitus or reduced hearing to seek medical attention rather than ignore the symptoms.
The World Health Organisation says the risk of hearing damage depends on the loudness, duration and frequency of sound exposure. It recommends keeping personal audio devices below 60 per cent of maximum volume and taking regular listening breaks.
The specialists advised regular earbud users to moderate their use, take breaks and avoid sleeping with the devices in their ears.
