Learn More About Hearing Loss Prevention
Choose The Hearing Protection That's Right For You
- by Carol Merry Stephenson, Ph.D.
Expandable foam plugs
These plugs are made of a formable material designed to expand and
conform to the shape of each person's ear canal. Roll the expandable
plugs into a thin, crease-free cylinder. Whether you roll plugs
with thumb and fingers or across your palm doesn't matter. What's
critical is the final result—a smooth tube thin enough so
that about half the length will fit easily into your ear canal.
Some individuals, especially women with small ear canals, have difficulty
rolling typical plugs small enough to make them fit. A few manufacturers
now offer a small size expandable plug.
Pre-molded, reusable plugs
Pre-molded plugs are made from silicone, plastic or rubber and are
manufactured as either “one-size-fits-most” or are available
in several sizes. Many pre-molded plugs are available in sizes for
small, medium or large ear canals.
A critical tip about pre-molded plugs is that a person may need
a different size plug for each ear. The plugs should seal the ear
canal without being uncomfortable. This takes trial and error of
the various sizes. Directions for fitting each model of pre-molded
plug may differ slightly depending on how many flanges they have
and how the tip is shaped. Insert this type of plug by reaching
over your head with one hand to pull up on your ear. Then use your
other hand to insert the plug with a gentle rocking motion until
you have sealed the ear canal.
Advantages of pre-molded plugs are that they are relatively inexpensive,
reusable, washable, convenient to carry, and come in a variety of
sizes. Nearly everyone can find a plug that will be comfortable
and effective. In dirty or dusty environments, you don't need to
handle or roll the tips.
Canal caps
Canal caps often resemble earplugs on a flexible plastic or metal
band. The earplug tips of a canal cap may be a formable or pre-molded
material. Some have headbands that can be worn over the head, behind
the neck or under the chin. Newer models have jointed bands increasing
the ability to properly seal the earplug.
The main advantage canal caps offer is convenience. When it's quiet,
employees can leave the band hanging around their necks. They can
quickly insert the plug tips when hazardous noise starts again.
Some people find the pressure from the bands uncomfortable. Not
all canal caps have tips that adequately block all types of noise.
Generally, the canal caps tips that resemble stand-alone earplugs
seem to block the most noise.
Earmuffs
Earmuffs come in many models designed to fit most people. They work
to block out noise by completely covering the outer ear. Muffs can
be "low profile" with small ear cups or large to hold
extra materials for use in extreme noise. Some muffs also include
electronic components to help users communicate or to block impulsive
noises.
Workers who have heavy beards or sideburns or who wear glasses
may find it difficult to get good protection from earmuffs. The
hair and the temples of the glasses break the seal that the earmuff
cushions make around the ear. For these workers, earplugs are best.
Other potential drawbacks of earmuffs are that some people feel
they can be hot and heavy in some environments.
Miscellaneous devices
Manufacturers are receptive to comments from hearing protection
users. This has led to the development of new devices that are hybrids
of the traditional types of hearing protectors. (Visit
NIOSH searchable compendium of hearing protectors) Because many
people like the comfort of foam plugs, but don't want to roll them
in dirty environments, a plug is now available that is essentially
a foam tip on a stem. You insert this plug much like a pre-molded
plug without rolling the foam.
Scientists are developing earmuffs using high-tech materials to
reduce weight and bulk, but still effectively block noise. On the
horizon may be earplugs with built in two-way communication capability.
Still, the best hearing protector is the one that is comfortable
and convenient and that you will wear every time you are in an environment
with hazardous noise.
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Learn More about Hearing Loss Prevention