While gold hoop earrings have become a staple in my everyday look, like many people, the discomfort and pain from wearing my favorite pair has caused me to wonder why earrings hurt my ears. There are several reasons why this can happen. Understanding them can help you choose the right gold earrings and adequately care for your ears to avoid pain and irritation.
Why Earrings Hurt My Ears: Infection Poor Hygiene and poor care
It's essential to be mindful of caring for your piercings while choosing to wear earrings.
One thing many people need to realize about piercings is that they need to be cleaned regularly. While it's easy to overlook because most people stick to one pair and keep them in, improper hygiene can lead to infection, which is another reason why your earrings might be hurting your ears. Even healed piercings can get infected if minor cuts in the surrounding area are exposed to bacteria. Maintaining good hygiene by washing your hands before changing your jewelry and cleaning your earrings and piercings with antibacterial soap or sterile saline is essential to prevent this.
Also, it's essential to give your ears a break from wearing earrings, especially if you choose more dramatic styles. Make it a habit to remove your earrings when sleeping, exercising, or engaging in activities that could cause friction, pressure, or damage to your earlobes.
Why Earrings Hurt My Ears: Friction and Style
Additionally, infection and pain can be caused by the materials and design of the earrings you wear daily.
The style and brand of earrings you choose to wear can greatly contribute to your discomfort. While I loved the way that the inexpensive pair of chunky gold statement hoops I ordered online brought my outfits together, I found myself experiencing irritation around my piercings.
One of the reasons why my earrings were hurting my ears was because many inexpensive brands make their hoop earrings with materials like Nickel. While Nickel is frequently used in producing cheap jewelry, especially earrings, it is also one of the most common allergens. Most people develop this allergy after prolonged exposure. In my experience, my sensitivity to Nickel made it difficult to wear my favorite styles, often forcing me to take breaks from wearing any earrings.
Low-quality brands typically don't design their pieces with comfort in mind. As a result, many of the earrings I ordered had closures squeezing my ears too tight. This left the skin around my piercings highly damaged. The weight of the earrings also played a significant role in why earrings were hurting my ears. Chunky statement hoops tend to be heavier than a standard pair by design. Despite this, many of the earrings I was ordering online were made heavier by the dense, low-quality materials of these pieces. In combination with my refusal to find an alternative to my favorite jewelry, the weight of my earrings and uncomfortable closures led to my ears being bruised, bleeding, stretched out, and infected. This permanently altered the way that my piercings appear.
This was frustrating because I didn't want to choose between the styles I loved and the comfort of my ears. Yet, I realized I needed to find a better, affordable alternative to the pieces I was wearing.
Earrings that Prioritize Style and Comfort
Today's newest jewelry trends constantly evolve, and earrings are no exception. Picking the right earrings for you can make a significant difference in your comfort level when participating in the latest earring crazes, especially if you have sensitive ears or are healing from previous damage to the skin around your piercings. As someone who has experienced discomfort due to the metals/styles of jewelry, here are some options that have worked well for my sensitive ears:
Gold-plated and Filled Brass and Stainless Steel
Gold-plated and filled jewelry is the best inexpensive alternative to solid Gold. Depending on the base metal used to produce the earrings you purchase, they will not irritate your ears.
18k gold-plated or filled brass is the most common plating for affordable jewelry. It is an inexpensive alternative to solid Gold and a safer one than Nickel. While some may still be allergic to gold-plated brass, a material I found safer for sensitive skin near my piercings, it's less common than Nickel. The best quality Gold-plated brass earrings can last up to two years and give a similar look to solid Gold without the hefty price tag.
18k Gold-plated stainless steel earrings are an excellent choice for sensitive ears. This material is durable and resistant to scratching, making it perfect for daily wear. Stainless steel is also hypoallergenic, meaning it is less likely than Nickel or brass to cause an allergic reaction. Gold-plated stainless steel can last from a few months to a few years without tarnishing, and the gold plating simulates the sleek elegance of a solid gold piece.
Gold Hoops
Everyone loves a classic gold hoop; they come in various sizes and styles, from small and dainty to large and bold. Gold hoop earrings are versatile and can be dressed up for a night out with your girls or a typical day of class. This makes them a staple in any jewelry collection. While I've had a few pairs that have yet to provide me the most comfortable experience wearing them, I've found a style that has never let me down: Leverback (or Huggie) hoop earrings.
Leverback earrings are a great alternative to traditional hoops, providing an easy, comfortable way to express yourself on your ears. Rather than coming with an earring and an earring back, which can easily be lost, lever-back earrings have a unique closure. It features a lever that you press into a hook that closes the earring on the back. Unlike traditional earrings that sometimes fall out if you lose the back, leverback earrings have a reliable closure. The best part about this design is that it provides a painless experience because the closure doesn't tug on the skin around your piercings.
My go-to pairs are our brand's Rockstar Earrings and our Ibiza Hoop Earrings. These two simple yet unique designs add the perfect touch of sparkle to my ears while prioritizing comfort and safety. Finding earrings with the right closures can help you continue to enjoy the bold look of your hoop earrings while ensuring comfort.
Statement Earrings
I know what you're thinking: "While lever-back earrings are a nice alternative to normal hoops, I'm just not ready to let go of my statement earrings". If you were, you're in luck! Leverback earrings don't have to be minimal. This style of earring can help make statement earrings a lightweight, good-quality option.
Don't trade comfort for fashion when picking your statement earrings. The quality of materials and craftsmanship is the key to enjoying statement earrings without discomfort. Ensure you shop from brands that use good quality lightweight materials that don't weigh down your earlobes. Many intricate and bold styles maintain comfort. Hollow structures, for example, can simulate the appearance of your typical pair of statement earrings without the corresponding weight.
Some of my favorite style statement earrings from our brand have become a staple in my wardrobe, such as our Marina Earrings and Amour Hoop Earrings.
Conclusion
Gold hoop earrings are my favorite accessory, but they can sometimes cause discomfort or pain if you don't choose suitable styles and care for your piercings. Understanding the reasons why your earrings hurt your ears can help you enjoy wearing earrings without problems. Stay stylish and comfortable by choosing earrings that suit your needs and preferences. Let your individuality sparkle with MadeByZoe when you check out our gold earring collection now!
