What Forms of Ear Protection are Available?

Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common causes of hearing loss and one that is most often preventable. Ear protection is what you need, whether you work in loud environments, enjoy loud hobbies like attending concerts, if you’re doing DIY with tools or even mowing the lawn on a regular basis. Here are some of the forms of ear protection your audiologist may recommend.

Disposable earplugs

The cheapest form of ear protection available, also known as wax balls. These are a one-size-fits-all solution, so they do not have as comfortable a fit as the custom-made option. They aren’t suitable for re-use either, so you have to buy a fresh pair every time you need them. That said, they effectively block the entirety of the ear, providing good protection. If you need ear protection on a short-term basis, these may be the option for you. Foam earplugs are another choice that are slightly more expensive but can be reused over the course of a few weeks, though they can cause discomfort and even ear infections if they are not washed after every use.

Earmuffs

Unlike earplugs, these do not fit inside the opening of the ear. Rather, they are worn over the entirety of the ear. For that reason, it’s important to buy earmuffs of an appropriate size so they do not irritate the outer ear over long-term use. They are designed to be comfortable and often have adjustable headbands to ensure that they are a good fit. They may also be attached to personal protection equipment like a helmet. They are simple, highly effective, and can be purchased in many places often without the need to see an audiologist. That said, they may not be a good choice for those working in hot, stuffy, or humid environments as they can be quite warm to wear.

Custom earplugs

The most sophisticated and most effective forms of ear protection available, your audiologist can help you select and customize the perfect earplugs to meet a range of needs. Taking a cast of your ear, your audiologist helps to create a pair of earplugs that fit you perfectly, ensuring maximum comfort with long-term use. Despite being more expensive than the disposal types of earplugs, these devices can last for several years. This means they can end up being the more cost-effective option in the long-term. However, you still need to make sure that you wash them regularly.

Which option should you consider?

Choosing the right ear protection should be done on a case-by-case basis, depending on your needs. If you’re attending a fireworks show or going to a concert on one particular night, you may not need anything more costly than disposable earplugs but if you regularly work or enjoy hobbies in noisy environments, earmuffs or custom earplugs are the best options.

If you’re concerned about the safety of your ears and the potential risk of hearing loss, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your audiologist. They can recommend a range of specific products to meet your needs and can help take the casts necessary to make the molds for custom ear protection, too.