Earplugs (61 Photos): What Are They? The Best Earplugs In The Ears, Reusable And Disposable, The Color Of The Earplugs And How To Choose Them, Individual Models, Reviews

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-15 04:10

Earplugs - an ancient invention of mankind, mention of them can be found in ancient literature. From the material of this article, you will learn what they are, what are their modern varieties by purpose, design, color and material of manufacture. In addition, we will tell you what to look for when choosing. the best option.

What it is?

Earplugs take their name from the phrase "take care of your ears " … These are devices that are inserted into the ear canals to protect against noise, water and small foreign objects. Depending on the variety, they are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. For example, you can use them:

• in factories with loudly operating equipment;
• those who have a light sleep;
• during sports activities (swimming);
• during the flight or long journey.

The devices are outwardly simple, differ form , type of use (they are disposable and reusable). They look different, they are produced taking into account the technical requirements of GOST for anti-noise liners. Some varieties are different conical shape with a blunt top , others remind bullets or tampons … Some look like herringbones or rods with hemispherical discs different sizes.

Others outwardly look like mushrooms with legs and rounded caps . On sale there are options, the shape of which follows the shape of the ear opening. There are modifications in the range of manufacturers with a lace , which prevents the loss of the accessory.

There are also optional office options available to help reduce sound levels for quiet operation in large rooms.

Views

You can classify earplugs for various reasons . For example, they are professional and household … Products of the first type are called industrial … It is these soundproofing liners that are used to work in production. Household analogs are not suitable for this.

Also on sale there are waybills and specialized technological models capable of filtering individual sounds. For example, open valve variants can suppress all noise except the human voice.

At the same time, they can also be used as universal earplugs during sleep. They suppress the sounds of snoring and loud conversations.

Intelligence agent models can protect ears from stun grenades. Optionally, you can order individual (custom) earplugs with a special filter . Specialists are engaged in the manufacture of anatomical models. The manufacturing technology of such products consists in creating prints of the ear canals with further production at a specialized enterprise.

Based on the scope of application, there are several types of earmolds.

Swimming

Models in this line have special pressure equalization holes. They protect the ear canals from noise and water . In this case, the audibility in the plugs can remain the same. In their production, durable and dense high-quality raw materials are used. They are used to protect the ears from contact with unclean water in case of auricular disease.

Tourist

Travel options fall into a separate category of earplugs. Despite the fact that many travel users buy regular models, travel modifications do more than dampen the noise. They are equipped with a special filter that prevents your ears from getting blocked.

Musical

Varieties of this group designed for musicians (like drummers) . They are designed to protect your ears from excessively loud sounds during concerts. The models differ in the same damping of different sound frequencies, and are suitable for DJs. Such products are often made according to individual orders ..

For diving

Snorkeling earplugs are distinguished by the presence of special holes through which it is possible to equalize the fluid pressure , present at great depths. They do not allow water to pass through. They are used by professional divers.

For sleep

The difference between these products is maximum softness . Using them, the user does not experience discomfort when turning in a dream. They dampen the noise of snoring, relieve a person of the terrible noise of a punch behind the wall, allowing you to sleep peacefully. Their main characteristic is the maximum degree of convenience.

Motorcycle

Such options for ear tabs specially designed for those involved in motor sports . Using them, the user does not hear the engine noise, which is often extremely loud.

Materials (edit)

Since the earbuds come in contact with your ears, they made from high-quality and safe for human health raw materials … The origin of the material is natural and artificial.

Wax

Noise plugs made of wax with an improved formula are considered the safest. Thanks to the elasticity of the wax, they follow the shape of the ear . This ensures optimum sound absorption. They are natural, do not crumble, and are a hypoallergenic type of plugs.

Their average level of sound insulation is 30-35 dB (due to warming up the wax from body temperature). The top is covered with a cotton material, which makes it easy to use. However, anatomical wax ear plugs are disposable earplugs.

They are not recyclable and quickly get dirty. In addition, dust can adhere to them during use. It has been noticed that during operation, some of the wax may remain on the hair.

Silicone

Products of this group belong to universal models . They are hypoallergenic, comfortable, durable, flexible, and reusable. These are vacuum waterproof ear plugs used by swimmers. They are suitable for swimming. Practice shows that they protect the ears only from low-frequency sounds.

They are made from thermoplastic and sheet silicone. Reusable silicone sheet products are harder, but more durable and easier to clean.

Analogs of the second type are less practical and less durable, although they are considered more comfortable for placement in the ear canals. Other modifications are designed for self-made earplugs. Individual varieties are sold in sets . In addition to silicone, the package includes an activator that allows you to make caps according to the impression. The average sound absorption of silicone products exceeds 25 dB.

Polypropylene

Products made of polypropylene (foam rubber) with a bullet shape are in special consumer demand. They are inexpensive, their level of noise absorption can reach 33-35 dB . However, they are voluminous and hard, felt in the ears and are not as pliable and soft as their wax counterparts. They are not suitable for everyone, their size range is small.

Although they are considered harmless, they are impregnated with special emollients, which often provoke itching of the ear canals . When washed, the modifications lose their properties and wrinkle. Over time, they can break, since the foam rubber is subject to mechanical deformation.

They can only be washed with cold water, after which they must be thoroughly dried. It is recommended to use them no more than 3 times. With each subsequent application, they fill the ear canal less and less.

Polyurethane

Reusable polyurethane foam products are soft and elastic. They are made of pliable material, do not absorb water, are easy to clean, and completely fill the ear opening. With proper care, they can last for several years. In terms of quality, rubber earplugs are comparable to their silicone counterparts.

They are capable of absorbing sounds up to 40 dB without discomfort for the user. These are reusable models and can be used for several months . After use, they are washed with water and treated with a disinfectant.

They are effective at absorbing low frequency sounds.

Design and dimensions

Design and color solutions for earplugs can be very diverse. For example, there are spherical, arrow-shaped, bullet-shaped, stamp-shaped options. There are models on sale like with translucent glossy and matt structure . The color of the ear tabs can be saturated or muted, neutral (white, gray), pink, yellow, green, olive, orange, blue, blue, red, brown.

Among the models, there are products with a white base and multi-colored stains in the form of wavy stripes and spots. The colors of other modifications are reminiscent of the texture of marble. The produced assortment can have “adult” and “child” sizes. For example, depending on the variety, the ratio of length, diameter at the base and diameter of the tip of foam models can be:

• 22.8x11.2x9.9, 21.1x14.6x8.5, 20x14.2x9.7, 20.5x11.7x11x7 mm - for women;
• 23.7x11.6x10.9, 23x12.5x10.7, 22.5x12.5x11, 24x16x10.8 mm - for men.

Adult sizes are divided into 3 types: small, medium and large . They refer to the outer parts of the earplugs that are fixed on the auricles. The gradation can take into account not only the shape of the models of a particular brand, but also the type of ears. For example, today you can buy two- and three-tiered options for people with wide ear canals. Height less than 2.5 cm corresponds to size S (Small), a parameter of 2.5 cm fits size M (Medium), if the height is larger, it is already size L (Large).

Manufacturers

Many leading companies are engaged in the production of earplugs. Among them, it is worth noting several of the best brands, whose products are in special consumer demand and have a lot of positive customer reviews.

Calmor Is a Swiss manufacturer of wax earplugs covered with cotton wool and petroleum jelly. Produces high-quality disposable wax-cotton models with easy insertion. The brand's products are hypoallergenic, natural, budget-friendly.

Ohropax Is a German brand specializing in the production of ear inlays made of wax, paraffin and cotton additives. They are more expensive than previous products and are suitable for children and adults.

Moldex Is a German company that supplies reusable earmolds made of expanded polyurethane to the medical market. The manufacturer's products soften in the ears due to natural heat, taking the desired shape.

Arena Is a world-renowned swimwear brand. The company's products are designed for swimmers, but they can also be used for restful sleep if desired. These are high quality and safe silicone and polypropylene varieties.

Travel Dream - Russian supplier of polypropylene products. The company's products cut off extraneous noise during sleep; these earplugs can be used as protection against water when swimming in a river or pool.

Technological products of the company Hush controlled by a smartphone. The brand produces rechargeable medical silicone earplugs with noise absorption up to 70 dB. In this case, the user can independently adjust the level of sound insulation.

Effective earplugs are equipped with a built-in alarm clock and music library, and can be configured to receive a call or message.

Alpine SleepSoft is a brand that manufactures luxury earplugs from breathable raw materials. The brand's products are characterized by selective sound insulation. They are soft, comfortable to use, with proper care they last at least a year.

How to choose?

There are several useful things to consider when choosing ear plugs. recommendations … For example, to avoid hearing problems, you need to choose the right size for your ear canals … Small products will not be able to muffle the sound properly. They are more difficult to extract.

Large earplugs will increase the air pressure inside the ear canals, creating discomfort for the wearer. The matching earbuds must completely cover the ear canals, you need to purchase comfortable earmolds … Important elasticity level . If it is low, there will be no complete silence.

The material from which the product is made must be as soft and safe as possible. Silicone models are considered one of the best . They can be washed with water, treated with hydrogen peroxide, alcohol or a special gel. It is necessary to choose hypoallergenic models that meet hygienic standards. The surface of the products must be smooth: any defects can cause damage to the skin.

It is worth paying attention to the level of sound absorption.

It is undesirable to purchase modifications, the declared sound insulation of which is less than 20 dB. Models with noise absorption within 35 dB are considered the best option for sleeping . Dedicated high-power varieties can isolate noise up to 85dB. When buying, you need to pay attention to the characteristics of a particular model, its purpose.

An important purchase criterion is reviews from real buyers . They can be scrolled through on forums or testimonials dedicated to this topic. Often, it is the opinions of those who have tested this or that product in practice that will tell better than the manufacturer's advertisement. So you can find out reliable information not only about the quality, but also about the safety of a particular product for the skin and hearing.

Earplugs have recommended expiration dates . If you plan to use earplugs only occasionally, it is advisable to opt for disposable wax options. For daily use, reusable products are needed. But if the model is incorrectly selected, it can lead to pain in the temporomandibular joint.

When choosing the best models, you need pay attention to the liner . If the packaging does not contain detailed information about the manufacturer and a specific product, you should look for models from other companies. At the same time, the price of a good product does not have to be high at all. It is worth paying attention to the number of pairs: earplugs are sold in pairs, as well as in packages of different sizes.

Regardless of preferences, you need to take the product that you have quality certificate . These documents confirm the fact that the product is made taking into account the norms and requirements of TU and GOST. Ask your dealer for the Sound Reduction Index. The higher it is, the better the protection.

When buying products for children, you must take into account that using earplugs should not be a habit . Otherwise, addiction cannot be avoided. The child may have trouble sleeping. He will have to get used to sleeping without plugs long enough.

How to use it correctly?

According to the rules of use, earplugs have contraindications. They cannot be used in three cases:

• if there are sulfur plugs in the ears;
• during inflammatory and infectious ear diseases;
• with a marked hearing loss.

Do not insert earplugs too deep into the ear canals . How you use earplugs depends on their shape. For example, the foam varieties are slowly rolled out and squeezed into a thin, wrinkle-free "stud". In a compressed form, they are inserted into the ears. To facilitate insertion, the hand is placed behind the head and the ear is pulled back and up.

The silicone earplugs are collected into a ball with dry hands. After that, they are placed in the ear canal, leveled, forming an airtight seal. During installation, make sure that no hair gets into your ears with the earplugs.

Models with a herringbone shape are inserted as accurately as possible . They put their hand behind the head, pull the ear back and up. After that, tabs are placed in the auricles. The insertion may seem tight, however, it eliminates any pressure during the insertion. When the earplugs are removed, they are turned to depressurize.

The general rules of use are as follows:

• wash your hands with soap and water before installing the earbuds;
• it is necessary to clean the ear canal from contamination;
• the earplugs are squeezed and inserted into the ears in a twisting motion without pressure;
• after use, the plugs are removed, the disposable ones are disposed of, the reusable ones are cleaned and dried;
• products are checked for deformations, then placed in storage containers;
• if there are any defects, the earplugs are discarded.

Every time after removing the tabs, you need to wash your ears with antibacterial soap … Some models are recommended by manufacturers to roll up in a tube. This achieves the maximum convenience of setting. Store the sound-absorbing earbuds out of direct sunlight - in a place that is neither hot nor cold. If you regularly use inexpensive disposable earplugs, it is advisable to buy a dispenser to dispense them.

However, frequent use can adversely affect health . For example, this can push the earwax further. Repeated use in some cases is fraught with hearing loss, as well as the appearance of infectious ear diseases.