What are they and how are they used?
Ear plugs are special devices to be inserted into the ear canal to protect the eardrum from noise, foreign bodies, dust, water and wind.
The types of earplugs are very numerous and heterogeneous; they are distinguished according to the purpose for which they are made (to protect the ears from water, to isolate themselves from external noises etc.) and to the material that composes them (silicone, foam, hypoallergenic etc.).
Despite the diversity of shapes and materials, the way to use all types of earplugs is always the same. Before inserting the cap into the ear canal, it is necessary to wash the hands thoroughly: hand hygiene is essential to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination. To properly apply the ear plug and facilitate insertion, we recommend that you gently lift the ear pinion upwards and outwards. At this point, screw and rotate the cap pushing it with extreme delicacy into the ear canal, until it adheres perfectly.
For removal, facilitate the maneuver by gently twisting 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 good to always make sure that ear plugs provide adequate protection for the noise level present in a given environment.
There are numerous variants of noise-reducing caps, essentially divided into three categories:
- Moldable caps
- Custom-made caps
- Caps with headband
MODELABLE PLUGS FOR EARS
They easily adapt to all the dimensions of the ear canal and are generally made of sponge or porous materials.
Modeling easily with your hands, this type of cap fits easily into the ear canal: it is in fact sufficient to press the cap with your fingers and push it into the ear canal exerting slight pressure. The mouldable anti-noise caps have the disadvantage of limited duration: most, in fact, is disposable (it must be thrown away in the trash after use).
Among the mouldable ear plugs we mention:
- Hypoallergenic caps in polyurethane foam: extremely comfortable, this type of ear plugs is disposable, ie it must be thrown into the trash after use. They can present a typically conical shape (which adapts to all the auditory ducts) or a 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 plugs: this is a type of plug recommended for swimmers, which can still be used by workers on construction sites, forced to constantly endure deafening noises.
- Wax stoppers: coated with soft cotton (to be removed before use), these types of stoppers adhere perfectly to the ear canal, modeling just like they were balls of pongo. When used correctly, the wax plugs reduce the noise by 28 Decibels.
TAILORED PLUGS
These are custom-made earplugs, that is made according to the exact dimensions of the individual ear canal. Most often they are made up of rigid hypoallergenic resins, and they are the most effective in reducing the perception of noise.
Not being disposable, custom earplugs can be used over and over again; however, to preserve their integrity and effectiveness, they require impeccable cleaning and conservation. This type of ear plugs should always be washed with neutral soap and water after use; before storing them in the special container / case, it is recommended to dry them perfectly with a soft cotton cloth.
CAPS WITH ARCHET OR CORDICELLA
It is a sort of plastic ring at the ends of which there are two shaped and multi-purpose ear plugs. The bow, to be kept behind the neck or under the chin, is extremely comfortable: in fact, the two ear plugs wear easily, are comfortable and the risk of being pushed too deeply causing pain in the ears is greatly reduced. This type of ear plugs is suitable for continuous noise exposures, especially in dusty environments.
In addition to reducing environmental noise, the headband caps allow the wearer to easily communicate and listen to other people's voices.
Depending on the chosen cork, the sound abatement index ranges from 28 to 35 Decidel.
Ear plugs for swimmers
Some types of ear plugs are specially designed to keep water out of the ear canal, especially while swimming. Surfers and swimmers should always wear special ear plugs: this category of people, in fact, is subject to sweaty ear infections and ear infections in general.
Normally, ear plugs for swimmers are made of wax or malleable silicone, and can be used for a limited number of times (if stored appropriately). These are small mouldable devices to be inserted into the ear canal to isolate the ears from the water.
Some ear plugs are customized, that is made to measure to offer greater comfort and higher protection against ear infections.
The same ear plugs can also be used to protect the ear after surgery and to prevent external ear infections.
Did you know that ...
Swimmers and surfers are constantly 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 auditory canal, making the area extremely sensitive to bacterial attacks. We also recall that the stagnation of water in the auditory canaliculus creates an ideal environment for the proliferation and development of bacteria. Ear plugs are ideal remedies for preventing this type of infection.
Earplugs for those flying by plane
Special types of ear plugs have also been designed, specifically designed to protect the ears from pain caused by pressure changes during air travel. In flight, some pilots constantly wear a particular type of plug that has a porous ceramic insert inside it, such as to minimize the perception of pressure fluctuations during landings and take-offs.
Curiosity: did you know that ...
Some airlines distribute foam earplugs for passengers to make the journey more comfortable.
