1. Not really, just clean your ears.

2. Only if you get a cheap pair.

3. Use proper tips.

4. Not if you use your other senses...like sight

As long it's a decent one and you don't use those canal eartips that goes deep into your ear.. Seriously that thing freak me out. 

However you will notice wax buildup even faster. The body think it as an external object hence it start producing earwax to prevent it from entering too far. 

Why can't companies just make earphones like EarPods? Imo they are the best style of earphone. 

Less isolation meaning the bass won't be as thumping..and you can hear noises around you unless you crank up the volume but then everyone around you can hear it. There is no rubber on the tips it will hurt your ear for long listening especially if you are using it while lying down sleeping.

I solved the hurting part by getting some Memory foam tips to put on mine. The normal silicon ones really hurt mine too. 

@Skiiwee29 what about if you lie down to the side? I assume the foam is not thick enough to prevent the earpods from pressing against your ear. 

@Hiya! the ones I got are quite thick and are made specifically for my earbuds.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075R8YCKN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Owh that's for iem lol I though u were talking about earpods.. Iem doesn't hurt at all even my cheapo Z3S feel comfortable. 

I've stopped wearing this kind all together.

They're uncomfortable as you say and I believe the sound quality is never really good with them.