When we think about ear health, we often focus on things like hearing, noise exposure or infections. But your sleeping position can also have a surprising effect on the comfort of your ears. From ear pain to hearing aid maintenance, how you sleep may play a bigger role than you realize.
How Sleeping Impacts Your Ears
Sleeping consistently on one side can put pressure on the ear, leading to discomfort or even skin irritation.
Possible effects include:
- Soreness or tenderness on the outer ear (especially common for side sleepers)
- Development of a painful bump on ear cartilage called chondrodermatitis nodularis, or pillow ear. Pillow ear typically occurs on one side.
- Ear canal blockage from trapped moisture or earwax buildup
- Pain from earphones or hearing aids left in overnight
If you often wake up with ear pain or discomfort, your sleep position may be the cause.
Impact on Hearing Aid Users
For people who wear hearing aids, sleep positioning matters even more. To protect both your ears and your devices, always remove hearing aids before sleep and store them in a dry, safe place.
Other things to consider include:
- Pressure from your pillow can damage behind-the-ear devices if not removed before sleeping
- In-ear devices left in overnight may cause canal irritation or wax impaction
- Moisture buildup from warm bedding can affect device performance
Tips for Healthier Sleep and Ear Care
If you’re experiencing ear issues that seem linked to sleeping on your side, try these adjustments:
- Alternate your sleeping side regularly to reduce pressure on one ear
- Use a soft, clean pillow that supports your head without pressing on your ear
- Consider special pillows with ear cutouts if you’re experiencing ear pain.
- Avoid sleeping with hearing aids, earplugs or earbuds unless medically necessary, and use clean, breathable materials if you do.
If you’re dealing with recurring ear pain, hearing changes or pressure that worsens overnight, consult a hearing specialist. These symptoms may point to issues that require professional care.
To learn more about ear and hearing health or to schedule a hearing test, contact San Francisco Audiology today.