Custom earplugs have many advantages over traditional forms of hearing protection (foam earplugs and earmuffs), such as increased levels of sound quality, comfort and cost effectiveness.
Why sound quality is important
Traditional forms of hearing protection tend to reduce high frequency sound much more than that in the mid to low frequencies, which is why foam earplugs often make things sound muffled. This makes it difficult to follow conversations, hear warning signals or hear the subtle nuances of music.
It is a common misconception that the highest level of attenuation (noise reduction) in hearing protection is best. Unfortunately, if you cut out too much noise it can make you feel "closed in" and isolated from those around you. Traditional forms of hearing protection are often only available in one attenuation level and as a consequence, more than 50% of people that should wear them don't.
In addition, it tempts you to remove your hearing protectors to hear what other people are saying to you, which dramatically reduces their effectiveness.
Some custom earplugs are available in a range of filters so whether you are a motorcyclist, professional working in noisy environments or a musician, you can choose the right filter to suit the environment you are in. You want to find a balance between too much and too little attenuation.
For custom earplugs, it is important to get ear canal impressions that extend past the second bend of the ear canal. This means that a deep seal is created with the bony part of the ear which minimises the closed in feeling (or occlusion effect) and makes for a more natural sounding earplug.
The vents in custom earplugs also help the escape of low frequency sound trapped in the ear canals. This also minimises the occlusion effect.
Custom earplugs and comfort
One of the biggest criticisms aimed at hearing protection in general is that they are uncomfortable to wear, and about 50% of people that should wear them, don't, for that reason. Ear muffs tend to cause sweating and soreness and interfere with other types of PPE such as eye protection.
To reduce noise levels effectively, both reusable and disposable foam earplugs need to be inserted deeply inside the ear. This can result in pressure being placed on the delicate lining of the ear canal, and resulting in discomfort. Many people will take their earplugs out to give their ears a chance to rest, but unfortunately this reduces the effectiveness of the hearing protection in a noisy environment.
High quality custom made earplugs are made from a mould of the ear canal which reaches past the second bend of the ear. This means they fit every lump, bump and groove of the ear and provide a perfect fit.
The comfort factor of custom earplugs is also determined by the material they are made of. Some manufacturers use acrylic, which some people report is hard and cold in the ear. In addition, acrylic doesn't flex as the body moves and can result in air gaps between the earplug and the ear canal. These air gaps allow noise to leak into the ear and treduces the effectiveness of the earplugs.
For the ultimate in comfort, look for custom earplugs that are made of a medical grade soft silicone. This allows the earplug to flex with the movements of the body and you will always have a good seal.
Cost effectiveness
While traditional forms of hearing protection have a low upfront cost, if you have to use them on a regular basis, the costs soon mount up. For example, professionals who work within the noisy industries often use three pairs of foam earplugs a day, and at 16 cents per pair, this adds up to over $115 per year.
On the flip side, custom earplugs are much more cost effective than you might first think. High quality custom earplugs will last for over four years, and even the most expensive work out at $88 per year!
There is also the environmental cost to consider when using disposable earplugs. In our previous example, 3 pairs of earplugs used per day, for 240 days per year will result in 5,760 earplugs disposed in a four-year period.
Imagine two custom earplugs next to a heap of 5760 disposable earplugs!
While the upfront cost of custom hearing protection is higher than traditional forms of hearing protection, you can reduce your risk of buying hearing protection that isn't right for you. Look for a company that offers a money back guarantee, and will repair or replace your hearing protectors if the material or filters break down.
Why sound quality is important
Traditional forms of hearing protection tend to reduce high frequency sound much more than that in the mid to low frequencies, which is why foam earplugs often make things sound muffled. This makes it difficult to follow conversations, hear warning signals or hear the subtle nuances of music.
It is a common misconception that the highest level of attenuation (noise reduction) in hearing protection is best. Unfortunately, if you cut out too much noise it can make you feel "closed in" and isolated from those around you. Traditional forms of hearing protection are often only available in one attenuation level and as a consequence, more than 50% of people that should wear them don't.
In addition, it tempts you to remove your hearing protectors to hear what other people are saying to you, which dramatically reduces their effectiveness.
Some custom earplugs are available in a range of filters so whether you are a motorcyclist, professional working in noisy environments or a musician, you can choose the right filter to suit the environment you are in. You want to find a balance between too much and too little attenuation.
For custom earplugs, it is important to get ear canal impressions that extend past the second bend of the ear canal. This means that a deep seal is created with the bony part of the ear which minimises the closed in feeling (or occlusion effect) and makes for a more natural sounding earplug.
The vents in custom earplugs also help the escape of low frequency sound trapped in the ear canals. This also minimises the occlusion effect.
Custom earplugs and comfort
One of the biggest criticisms aimed at hearing protection in general is that they are uncomfortable to wear, and about 50% of people that should wear them, don't, for that reason. Ear muffs tend to cause sweating and soreness and interfere with other types of PPE such as eye protection.
To reduce noise levels effectively, both reusable and disposable foam earplugs need to be inserted deeply inside the ear. This can result in pressure being placed on the delicate lining of the ear canal, and resulting in discomfort. Many people will take their earplugs out to give their ears a chance to rest, but unfortunately this reduces the effectiveness of the hearing protection in a noisy environment.
High quality custom made earplugs are made from a mould of the ear canal which reaches past the second bend of the ear. This means they fit every lump, bump and groove of the ear and provide a perfect fit.
The comfort factor of custom earplugs is also determined by the material they are made of. Some manufacturers use acrylic, which some people report is hard and cold in the ear. In addition, acrylic doesn't flex as the body moves and can result in air gaps between the earplug and the ear canal. These air gaps allow noise to leak into the ear and treduces the effectiveness of the earplugs.
For the ultimate in comfort, look for custom earplugs that are made of a medical grade soft silicone. This allows the earplug to flex with the movements of the body and you will always have a good seal.
Cost effectiveness
While traditional forms of hearing protection have a low upfront cost, if you have to use them on a regular basis, the costs soon mount up. For example, professionals who work within the noisy industries often use three pairs of foam earplugs a day, and at 16 cents per pair, this adds up to over $115 per year.
On the flip side, custom earplugs are much more cost effective than you might first think. High quality custom earplugs will last for over four years, and even the most expensive work out at $88 per year!
There is also the environmental cost to consider when using disposable earplugs. In our previous example, 3 pairs of earplugs used per day, for 240 days per year will result in 5,760 earplugs disposed in a four-year period.
Imagine two custom earplugs next to a heap of 5760 disposable earplugs!
While the upfront cost of custom hearing protection is higher than traditional forms of hearing protection, you can reduce your risk of buying hearing protection that isn't right for you. Look for a company that offers a money back guarantee, and will repair or replace your hearing protectors if the material or filters break down.
About the Author:
earPLUG are passionate about helping you to lose the noise ... not your hearing. Visit our blog to get more articles on custom earplugs.
