What To Consider When Selecting Earplugs

Earplugs provide protection from noise-induced hearing loss and noise-induced tinnitus.  A good rule of thumb: whenever you need to raise your voice to be heard, hearing protection is necessary. This includes, but is not limited to, loud work environments, sporting and music events.

Earplugs are available in a variety of styles, materials, and colors. An important consideration is the NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) rating. The higher the rating, the more protection is offered. For example, an NRR rating of 32 provides more protection than a rating of 21.

For someone who might encounter a noisy situation rather infrequently, disposable earplugs may be sufficient. However, the foam offers less protection than other materials for low frequency noise. This material may also distort music, so it wouldn't be the best choice for concerts or musical performances. To use this type of earplug, roll one between your thumb and forefinger to compress it. Place in your ear canal and wait for it to expand to fill the cavity. There are smaller sizes available for smaller ear canals. Disposable earplugs may be used a limited number of times and need to be replaced frequently. 

Musician’s earplugs are not limited to just those involved with music. Anyone who is exposed to elevated noise will benefit from this type of hearing protection: anyone in the dental field (exposure to high speed drills); anyone on board aircraft, including passengers; construction workers and supervisors, factory workers and supervisors; shop teachers and students; truck drivers; spectators at sporting events, including car racing and motorcyclists, etc. Musician's earplugs are reusable and available in a custom fit for your ear. You can decide how much you want to cut the sound with interchangeable filters, reducing the sound 9dB, 15dB, or 25dB. Sound heard with these earplugs has the same quality as the original, only quieter. The result is that speech and music are clear and noise fatigue is reduced.

Solid custom-molded earplugs are comfortable for prolonged periods of time and last the longest. They also offer a higher NRR than the musician earplugs.  You may request an attached cord to connect them so they can be draped around your neck when not in use or a handle to pull them out easily. There are a variety of colors, with options for swirls of different colors and even sparkles. If preferred, they may be ordered with one ear one color and the other ear a different color to tell at a glance which one goes in the right or left ear.

For more information about hearing protection, call Medina Hearing Aid Services at 330-725-1060 or Cleartone Hearing Aid Services at 330-262-2200.