Devices To Protect Ears Against Noise And Water

Lots of professionals know how important it is to protect hearing from loud noise. However, it's not only noise which affects hearing. Professional swimmers have to wear swimming ear plugs to prevent water from getting in the ear canal. This article provides information on ear plugs in general and special ear plugs for swimmers.

The first ear plugs were produced by Ray and Cecilia Benner in 1962. Before that people used clay, wax and cotton to protect ears against noise. The new devices were made from mouldable silicone which was appreciated for its waterproof qualities. Ray Brenner was a dedicated swimmer and knew about the ‘swimmer's ear' syndrome. He started to experiment with various materials to pick the most waterproof one. Silicone proved to be the best material for manufacturing swimming ear plugs.

Apart from its waterproof qualities, silicone had a few other features which made it the first choice material for ear plugs. It's soft which makes it easy to insert ear plugs in the ear canal. Silicone can take the shape of wearer's ear canal which makes silicon ear plugs comfortable for long wear. Allergen-free non-toxic silicon is used to manufacture ear plugs for people allergic to some materials. Silicon ear plugs are reusable and designed to last a few years. They are also heat resistant which allows wearers to wash swimming ear plugs in hot water. Silicon significantly reduces high level sounds, so ear plugs for musicians and hunters are also made of it. And some users appreciate the fact that silicon ear plugs come in different colours.

In 1972 foam ear plugs were invented. Now, foam ear plugs are the most common hearing protective device for general uses. They can reduce noise by 25 dB and can be bought at any chemist's. Like silicon, foam ear plugs can be moulded and perfectly fit into the ear. To insert them, one needs to roll foam into a thin cylinder. Inside foam starts to expand occupying the space in the ear. However, foam ear plugs don't last as long as silicone swimming ear plugs. Foam porosity gets blocked, ear plugs lose their memory and wearers need to go for new ones. 

All ear plugs are given noise reduction rating; professional ear plugs reduce noise levels up to 80 dB. Some earplugs are supplied with interchangeable sound filters; these are mainly used by musicians who need to adjust the level of sound reduction depending on the occasion. Ear plug manufacturers indicate where certain ear plugs can be used so inexperienced customers don't get confused. Very often a standard pair of ear plugs can be ideal for various uses, such as sealing out water, reducing noise and relieving flying discomfort. Customers who are looking for maximum protection, can go for customised ear plugs which are designed on a basis of their ear mould and adjusted to block particular sounds.

All things taken into consideration, ear plug manufacturers offer a wide range of ear plugs from standard swimming ear plugs to customised ones. Customers can choose from different materials, noise reduction levels and even colours.

~ 30 June 2011~