What are the Best Earplugs for Hearing Protection?

We live in a loud world. Everywhere you turn, there are noises that can potentially damage your hearing – even those you might not expect. Attending music concerts, hunting and even just watching TV in your own home, can all contribute towards hearing loss as they put your ears under strain. The number one best way you can combat this is by using a pair of earplugs. 

Comfortable, discreet and effective, the best earplugs out there can offer great hearing protection without compromising your experience of life. Hearing protection earplugs come in many shapes and sizes, each perfectly suited to a different activity. In order to get the best earplugs for you, it’s important to know your own specific needs so you can find the right match.

Custom or molded

Your first choice when searching for earplugs or earmolds will be between custom or standard types. Of course, each has its advantages. Custom earplugs or earmolds can be fitted specifically to the shape of your ear, using an impression your audiologist will make. 

This means they are particularly comfortable and suitable for hours of non-stop use – perfect for anyone looks for earplugs to wear regularly, while sleeping or on the job. On the other hand, standard types are more immediately available, and often come in a range of sizes so you should be able to find one that fits you comfortably – if not as perfectly as a custom-molded set.

Different types of earplug

As mentioned above, earplugs for hearing protection don’t just come in a single variety. The technology used by the earplugs will hugely vary depending on the activity they are designed for. This means that in order to get the best earplugs for hearing protection, you’ll need to know how and when you’ll be using them. 

This might seem daunting, but the options are very clear, and the chances are you already know exactly what situations in your life need a little extra protection. A list of the most common types of earplugs required is below. If you identify with more than one option, the best idea is to get two sets of earplugs to cope perfectly with either scenario. 

Music

Listening to music is perhaps the most popular time for people to wear hearing protection. This also encompasses the dialogue in TV shows and movies – any scenario where you want the volume levels reduced without losing out on the quality and detail of the sound. 

After all, you don’t want to miss out on your favorite lyrics or a key scene, through muffled sound. Earphones like these are designed using silicone, a material that allows all sound through, simply at reduced levels. This way, you will completely protect your ears without sacrificing any accuracy or sound quality. They even come in different decibel levels, so you can decide exactly how much volume you want to receive.

Swimming

Getting water in your ears can be uncomfortable, and it isn’t great for them either. Specially designed swimming earplugs protect your hearing by sealing your ears against water – and they also reduce sound in the process, meaning your swim or shower can be experienced peacefully.

No more getting irritated by the splashing of those around you, or frantically shaking your head to try and get out drops of water. These earplugs also float, so you never need to worry about losing them at the bottom of the pool.

Sleeping

Many people nowadays have problems getting to sleep, and surrounding noise can play a huge part in that. This contributes towards keeping you tired, worn down and unable to fight off infections. This is where sleeping plugs can help. Designed for particular comfort, and to block out as many sounds as possible, these are the best earplugs possible for hearing protection whilst you make sure to get all the beauty sleep you need.

Hunting

Hunting can provide a particular challenge for your ears, as you want to stay alert, but may need to protect your hearing against sudden, extremely loud noises such as a gunshot. Hunting earplugs are specially designed to solve this problem. They allow essentially normal hearing – perfect for stalking and staying aware of your surroundings – until they sense that damaging decibel levels have been reached. At this point, a filter closes, and your ears are fully protected against the sound.

What Next?

If you think any of these earplugs are right for you, or if you’d like to know more about the different types such as occupational, motorsport or surfing earplugs, if you want to learn more about cleaning your earpieces or about The Hearing Clinic at Woodlake and call us today at (612) 246-4868.