What are they?
Earplugs are hearing protection devices used to create a physical barrier between the eardrum and external noises. Also called ear plugs, earplugs are simple devices to insert into the external ear canal, to a maximum depth of 15 mm.
The classic yellow foam cylinder - still widely appreciated by consumers - has to deal with the most modern silicone, wax-coated and flanged ear plugs (rigid plugs suitable for musicians).
Indications
There are those who use them to promote falling asleep, who to facilitate study, and who still use them for work needs. Regardless of the final purpose, ear plugs are always used for the same reason: to isolate the eardrum from noise pollution, whatever it is.
However, while in some subjects the use of ear plugs is "simply" an expedient to improve the quality of life (eg facilitating falling asleep in the presence of a light sleep), in others it is a real tool for health. Just think, for example, of those subjects who, for occupational reasons, are continuously exposed to deafening noises or work in very noisy environments. This category of people is vulnerable to the risk of eardrum compromise; therefore, the adequate and frequent use of specific ear plugs is indispensable for health purposes.
In general, earplugs are used in multiple circumstances and for different purposes:
- Reduce tinnitus (ringing in the ears): A relatively effective remedy for treating this ailment
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Light sleep
- Reduce noise on a construction site
- Filter the volume of deafening music
- Isolate yourself from noise to facilitate reading, study and concentration
- Prevent ear infections (especially swimmer's ear infections)
- Protect the ear after surgery
Silicone earplugs
These high quality silicone earplugs are the ideal solution to protect the hearing from annoying external noises and the hearing channels from water penetration.
Made of soft antibacterial silicone, they are reusable and made to offer maximum comfort, thanks to their ability to adapt and mold to the shape of any ear: to obtain an airtight closure, simply shape the cap into an elongated oval shape before inserting it into the ear canal , and then let it expand once inserted into the ear. By expanding, the earplugs automatically mold, adapting to the unique shape of your ear and hermetically sealing it for optimal protection and performance.
Ear plugs for sleeping
With these anti-snoring earplugs made of soft silicone, invisible, reusable, waterproof and washable, you can immediately rediscover the pleasure of sleeping well.
Being ergonomic, they have the characteristic of being able to model themselves according to the shape of any ear without creating pressure in the ear canal and helping to isolate the ear from any external noise.
For this reason, they are ideal for promoting the right concentration at work or during study, on an airplane flight and even in the swimming pool.
How to use
The use of ear plugs is not as obvious as it seems. To make the most of their effectiveness and minimize the risks, it is necessary to insert (and remove) the earplugs respecting some important precautions.
First of all, before opening the package, wash your hands thoroughly to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.After making sure that the ear plug is clean, therefore free of dust or dirt, you can proceed with the insertion into the ear canal. With the thumb and forefinger of one hand, gently lift the auricle upwards and outwards, to facilitate the insertion of the cap. With a simple screwing maneuver, carefully rotate and push the plug into the ear canal until it fits snugly.
Precautions
When using the 3 flange caps (suitable for musicians), it is recommended to moisten the device to facilitate insertion.
For foam earplugs, the advice is to roll up (or squeeze) the device before inserting it into the ear canal. Keep the earplug in place for at least 5 seconds to allow the foam to expand and adhere perfectly to the ear canal.
To remove the cap, it is advisable to facilitate the maneuver by exercising a rotation movement.
Disposable caps should be thrown into the trash and should not be reused.
The reusable ones must be washed with water and mild soap after use and, after having carefully dried them with a soft cloth, put them in the special container.
Ideal ear plugs
Ear plugs, in addition to being comfortable, must adhere perfectly to the ear canal to ensure maximum protection from external noise.
Among the features most requested by users of anti-noise plugs we mention:
- Effective in attenuating noise (many consumers require "high noise attenuation" plugs)
- Gentle for the ears and non-irritating
- Moisture resistant
- Recyclable
- Non flammable
- Hypoallergenic
- Suitable for all sizes of ear canals
- Easily malleable
- Safe
- Free of contraindications
- Hygienic and economical
The ear plugs able to satisfy many of the characteristics listed above are undoubtedly the most requested because they respect the needs of the consumer.
Risks and dangers
Although ear plugs are specially made in full respect of the health of the consumer, some precautions are essential to reduce the risks and dangers that could be run in the face of clumsy use.
First of all, when the earplug is pushed too deep, the risk of moving and pressing any accumulation of ear wax in the ear canal or against the eardrum is palpable. As a purely precautionary measure, earplugs should be pushed deep enough to be able to easily grasp / rotate them for removal from the ear canal. Any earwax plugs caused by incorrect use of ear plugs can still be removed with softening drops, washing, curettage or, when necessary, ear candles.
After the application of ear plugs, some patients have experienced unpleasant allergic or allergic-like reactions; however, most of the ear plugs are now made with safe and hypoallergenic materials; therefore the possibility that similar effects are established is quite rare.
Another risk associated with inadequate use of earplugs is linked to the "pressure increase in the ear": pushing the earplugs too deep, you could favor an increase in the air pressure inside the external auditory canal, such as to create severe pain in the ear. This phenomenon could be favored by the pressure exerted by the plug in the ear during the night rest: sleeping on your side, for example, the pillow could predispose to this risk. This possibility increases when using the foam plugs (extremely expandable), particularly if they are pushed too deep.
Even the removal of the anti-noise plug, when performed incorrectly and hastily, could promote earache: by pulling the plug quickly, a negative pressure is created, such as to "pull" the eardrum. To avoid this, it is good to do so. Twist the noise cap directly into the ear cable several times before removing it.
Long-term use
In addition to being used correctly and gently, earplugs should not be worn for long periods. Excessive use of earplugs can in fact cause serious damage to health:
- By blocking the natural flow of ear wax from the inside to the outside of the ear canal, ear plugs can be the cause of ear plugs. When not properly removed (by curettage, washing, lubricating drops, etc.), earwax plugs can promote tinnitus (ringing in the ears), impaired hearing, ear pain and infections.
- Using them for long periods, earplugs can irritate the temporomandibular joint, thus causing discomfort or pain. To minimize this risk, when you want to use earplugs for long periods, it is advisable to prefer customized earplugs and to avoid foam plugs that slowly expand into the ear canal.
- Paradoxically, ear plugs can be a possible cause of inflammation of the ear and otitis externa; despite what has been said, it should be noted that an occasional and adequate use of earplugs can prevent this type of disorder.
- Stiff earplugs, especially when used for long periods and applied quickly, can injure or scratch the external ear canal.
- When not thoroughly cleaned, washed and dried, reusable earplugs can promote inflammation and infection in the ear.
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