How To Buy Hearing Protection

There are numerous types of products designed for hearing protection and safety

. It is both an optional accessory (for loud concerts, fireworks, or drag races) and also mandatory and essential for workers in a variety of industries, such as construction, transportation, and manufacturing, to name a few. There are many different forms of hearing protection used today, such as expandable foam plugs, pre-molded reusable plugs, canal caps, and earmuffs. Depending on the type of ear plugs used, noise reduction is usually between 25 and 33 decibels in range. Knowing how to differentiate between the various forms of ear protection is a must before making your purchase.

Internal Ear Plugs:

Internal ear plugs fit into a person's respective ear canal for the purpose of external noise cancellation. There are three main types of internal earplugs. The first, expandable foam plugs, are made of material that can expand and conform to the shape of each person's ear canal. To use this type appropriately you roll the plugs into a thin cylinder that will easily fit into the ear canal. People with small ear canals have difficulty forming small enough plugs, which can not only diminish the effectiveness but also the convenience of internal ear plugs.

The second type, reusable plugs (pre-molded) are made from silicone, plastic, or rubber and are typically available in sizes or made "one size fits all." Despite their engineering, a person may need a different size for different ears. The advantage of this second type is that they are washable, convenient to install and carry, and generally comfortable and effective. The third type is canal caps, and they resemble ear plugs but are adjoined by a band often made of plastic or metal. The band can be worn in several places (on top of the head, along the nape, or under the chin). This type is convenient for intense noise that starts and stops randomly in an environment, such as a construction site.

External Ear Protection:

Because they fit snuggly around the ear, external ear protection is often worn with protective gear such as hats, helmets, or other cranial equipment. One type of external aural protection includes earmuffs, which fit over the entire ear and are designed to completely block out noise. Although this is the case, some are outfitted to allow for communication between users, such as in the cockpit of a helicopter. These are effective but can be hot or uncomfortable in certain environments.

by: Mike Strama

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