Fear of Wearing Earplugs (Inserting, Hurting My Eardrum, Pressure Problems) — Advice?

I've been afraid of wearing earplugs because what if I put them wrong, what if I hurt my eardrum or cause pressure problems, etc.

I now think I should start wearing earplugs.

Can earplugs cause pressure, fullness or any negative effect?

 

A couple of things:

1. To avoid pressure problems, just be very patient in removing earplugs, especially foam. Don't rip them out. Very gently and slowly wiggle them out.

2. Wearing earplugs contributes to wax build up. Debrox (no syringe) and/or manual cleaning from your ENT.

 

Can I burst my eardrum if I insert a foam earplug all th way down?

When I insert them, I can't insert them more than 1.5 cm (that is, they are still about 0.7 cm out). Is this normal? Is my ear canal too short?

 

I was going to suggest using the Mack's Dreamgirl Earplugs that tend to be smaller, but I'm seeing they're still 2.2 cm, just more narrow, not sure if yours are also. Maybe you can cut the ends (as in, the part that goes into your ear)? They'd lose the taper but you can probably roll them up just fine.

I've had earplugs rub up against my eardrum plenty and it just tickles if anything but since yours are a bit short, I'd be careful.