What are they?
Ear muffs are ear protection devices used to create a physical barrier between the eardrum and external noises. Also called ear plugs, ear plugs are simple devices to be inserted into the external ear canal, at a maximum depth of 15 mm.
The classic yellow foam rubber cylinder - still widely appreciated by consumers - has to come to terms with the most modern silicon anti-noise caps, made of wax coated cotton and flanged (rigid stoppers suitable for musicians).
Indications
There are those who use them to promote sleep, those to facilitate study, and others for work needs. Regardless of the final purpose, earplugs are always used for the same reason: to isolate the eardrum from any type of noise pollution.
However, while in some subjects the use of caps constitutes "simply" an expedient to improve the quality of life (eg to facilitate falling asleep in the presence of light sleep), in others it is a real tool for health. Just think, for example, of those subjects who, for employment reasons, are continually exposed to deafening noises or work in very noisy environments. This category of people is vulnerable to the risk of eardrum damage; therefore, the proper and frequent use of ear plugs proves to be indispensable for health purposes.
In general, the earplugs are used in several circumstances and for different purposes:
- Reduce tinnitus (ringing in the ears): a relatively effective remedy for treating this disorder
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Light sleep
- Reduce noise at a construction site
- Filter the volume of deafening music
- Isolate yourself from noise to facilitate reading, study and concentration
- Prevent ear infections (especially otitis of the swimmer)
- Protect the ear after surgery
Mode of use
The use of earplugs is not as obvious as it seems. To make the most of its effectiveness and minimize the risks, it is necessary to insert (and remove) the caps respecting some important precautions.
First of all, before opening the package, wash your hands thoroughly to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. After having verified that the ear plug is clean, therefore free of dust or dirt, you can proceed with the insertion in 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 operation, carefully rotate and push the plug into the ear canal until it adheres perfectly.
Precautions
When using caps with 3 flanges (suitable for musicians), it is advisable to moisten the devices to facilitate insertion.
For foam caps, the advice is to roll (or compress) the device before inserting it into the ear canal. Hold the noise stopper 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 rotating it.
Disposable caps should be thrown into the trash and should not be reused.
The reusable ones must be washed with mild soap and water after use and, after having carefully dried them with a soft cloth, placed in the appropriate container.
Ideal anti-noise caps
The 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 noise-reducing caps we mention:
- Effective in mitigating noise (many consumers require "high noise attenuation" caps)
- Delicate to the ears and non-irritating
- Moisture resistant
- Recyclable
- Not flammable
- hypoallergenic
- Suitable for all ear canal sizes
- Easily malleable
- sure
- Without contraindications
- Hygienic and economical
Noise-reducing plugs capable of satisfying 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 consumer's health, some precautions are indispensable to reduce the risks and dangers that could be encountered in the event of clumsy use.
First of all, when the noise stopper is pushed too deeply, the risk of moving and pressing any wax buildup in the ear canal or against the eardrum is palpable. As a precautionary measure, the earplugs should be pushed to such a depth that they can be easily grasped / swirled for removal from the ear canal. Any earwax caps caused by incorrect use of the earplugs can still be removed by softening drops, washing, curettage or, when necessary, ear candles.
After the application of ear plugs, some patients experienced unpleasant allergic or allergic-like reactions; however, most ear plugs are now made with safe and hypoallergenic materials; therefore the possibility of such effects being established is rather rare.
Another risk related to the inadequate use of noise-reducing caps is linked to the increase in pressure in the ear: by pushing the ear-plugs too deeply, an increase in air pressure could be promoted inside the external auditory canal, such as create severe ear pain. This phenomenon could be favored by the pressure exerted by the cork in the ear during the night rest: sleeping, resting on its side, for example, the pillow could predispose to this risk. This possibility increases when foam caps are used (extremely expandable), particularly if they are pushed too deeply.
Even the removal of the noise-reducing cap, when performed in an incorrect and hasty manner, could favor earache: by quickly pulling the cap, a negative pressure is created, such as to "pull" the eardrum. To avoid this, it is a good idea to rotate the noise stopper several times directly in the earphone cable before removing it.
Long term use
In addition to being used correctly and gently, earplugs should not be worn for long periods. Inordinate use of ear plugs can in fact cause serious damage to health:
- By blocking the natural flow of cerumen from the inside to the outside of the ear canal, ear plugs can be the cause of the formation of wax plugs. When not properly removed (with curettage, washing, lubricating drops, etc.), earwax caps can promote tinnitus (ringing in the ears), impaired hearing, ear pain and infections.
- Using them for long periods, ear plugs can irritate the temporomandibular joint, thus causing discomfort or pain. To minimize this risk, when you want to use ear plugs for long periods, we recommend that you prefer custom ones and avoid foam caps 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 pointed out that occasional and adequate use of ear plugs can prevent this type of disorder.
- Rigid ear plugs, especially when used for long periods and applied quickly, can damage or scratch the external auditory canal.
- When not carefully cleaned, washed and dried, reusable ear plugs can promote inflammation and infections in the ear.
