What are they and how are they used?
Earplugs are special devices to be inserted inside the ear canal to protect the eardrum from noise, foreign bodies, dust, water and wind.
The types of earplugs are numerous and heterogeneous; they are distinguished on the basis of the purpose for which they are made (to protect the ears from water, to isolate themselves from external noise, etc.) and the material that composes them (silicone, foam, hypoallergenic etc.).
Despite the diversity of shapes and materials, the method of use of all types of earplugs is always the same. Before inserting the plug into the ear canal it is necessary to wash your hands thoroughly: hand hygiene is essential for minimize the risk of bacterial contamination. In order to apply the earplug correctly and facilitate its insertion, it is recommended to gently lift the earcup up and out. At this point, screw and rotate the cap by pushing it very gently into the ear canal, until it fits snugly.
To remove, facilitate the maneuver by gently rotating the cap on itself before removing it.
Types of ear plugs
It is important to choose the type of ear plug that best suits your needs: in fact, it is always good to make sure that the ear plugs guarantee adequate protection for the noise level present in a given environment.
There are numerous variants of noise-reducing plugs, essentially divided into three categories:
- Moldable caps
- Tailored caps
- Caps with bow
MODELABLE EAR CAPS
They easily adapt to all sizes of the ear canal and are generally made of sponge or porous materials.
Easily modeled with the hands, this type of plug fits easily into the ear canal: it is in fact sufficient to press the plug with your fingers and push it into the ear canal with light pressure. The moldable earplugs have the disadvantage of limited duration: the greater part, in fact, is disposable (it must be thrown into the garbage after use).
Among the moldable anti-noise caps, we remember:
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Classic foam plugs (in PVC or polyvinyl chloride): standard model of ear plugs that can be used a limited number of times. These types of earplugs effectively dampen noise and are quite comfortable. They have a sound reduction index of 28 Decibels.
- Hypoallergenic polyurethane foam earplugs: extremely comfortable, this type of earplug is disposable, ie it must be thrown into the garbage after use. They can have a typically conical shape (which fits all ear canals) or mushroom-shaped (or "T-shaped"). They have a higher sound reduction index than the previous model, ranging from 31 to 35 dB (decibels).
- Reusable plugs with rigid rod: a small flexible rod has been inserted inside them to facilitate insertion. The sound reduction index is 28 dB.
- Silicone caps: these are a type of caps suitable for swimmers, which can however also be used by workers on construction sites, forced to constantly endure deafening noises.
- Wax Plugs: Lined with soft cotton (to remove before use), these types of plugs adhere perfectly to the ear canal and mold themselves just like clay balls. When used correctly, the wax plugs reduce noise by 28 decibels.
CUSTOM-MADE CAPS
These are customized earplugs, that is, made according to the exact size of the ear canal of the individual. Most of the time they are made of rigid hypoallergenic resins, and are the most effective in reducing the perception of noise.
Not being disposable, the custom earplugs can be used over and over again; however, to preserve their integrity and effectiveness, they require impeccable cleaning and storage. This type of earplugs must always be washed after use with water and neutral soap; before storing them in the special container / case, it is recommended to dry them perfectly with a soft cotton cloth.
CAPS WITH BOW OR STRING
It is a sort of plastic headband at the ends of which there are two shaped and multipurpose anti-noise caps. The headband, to be kept behind the neck or under the chin, is extremely comfortable: in fact, the two earmuffs are easy to wear, they are comfortable and the risk of them being pushed too deep causing pain in the ears is greatly reduced. This type of earplug is suitable for continuous exposure to noise, especially in dusty environments.
In addition to reducing ambient noise, headband plugs allow the wearer to communicate and easily listen to other people's voices.
Depending on the chosen cap, the sound abatement index ranges from 28 to 35 Decidel.
Earplugs for swimmers
Some types of earplugs are specially designed to keep water out of the ear canal, especially while swimming. Surfers and swimmers should always wear suitable earplugs: this category of people, in fact, is subject to swimmer's otitis and ear infections in general.
Normally, earplugs for swimmers are made from wax or malleable silicone, and can be used for a limited number of times (if stored properly). These are small moldable devices to be inserted into the ear canal to isolate the ears from water.
Some earplugs are customized, i.e. made to measure to offer greater comfort and higher protection from ear infections.
The same earplugs can also be used to protect the ear after surgery and to prevent otitis externa.
Did you know that ...
Swimmers and surfers are continually exposed to the risk of otitis externa because repeated exposure to water - just like the almost mechanical removal of earwax - tends to damage the external ear canal, making the area extremely sensitive to bacterial attacks. , that the stagnation of water in the auditory canal creates an ideal environment for the proliferation and development of bacteria. Ear plugs are ideal remedies to prevent this type of infection.
Earplugs for those who fly by plane
Special types of ear plugs have also been made, specially designed to protect the ears from the pain produced by pressure changes during air travel. In flight, some pilots constantly wear a particular type of caps that has a porous ceramic insert inside, such as to minimize the perception of pressure changes during landings and take-offs.
Curiosity: did you know that ...
Some airlines distribute foam earplugs for passengers to make travel more comfortable.
