Ear plugs
Ear plugs are worn in the auditory canal or seal it to exclude the noise. Ear plugs can be divided into three groups: disposable, pre-formed and "custom-made".
- Disposable ear plugs
- Pre-formed ear plugs
- Custom-made ear plugs
Disposable ear plugs
These are made of memory foam that first has to be rolled into a compressed cylinder before being inserted into the auditory canal. Once inserted, the foam expands to its normal dimensions, sealing the auditory canal. They are intended for single use. It is essential that they are inserted correctly and deeply enough to ensure sufficient attenuation.
Pre-formed ear plugs
These are inserted directly into the auditory canal, or seal the entrance to it. They can be used several times and can be cleaned. Here too, it is essential that they are placed correctly and deeply enough to ensure sufficient attenuation.
- Advantages (disposable and pre-formed)
Immediately available and fit most users, no uncomfortable weight or pressure on the head, no discomfort in warm surroundings, no distortion of directional hearing. n.
- Disadvantages (disposable and pre-formed)
The degree of protection is very dependent on correct insertion - practice is needed. Because they gradually work loose, it is necessary and important to keep putting them back in to ensure sufficient protection. Discomfort due to pressure in the auditory canal, limited range of attenuation levels.
Custom-made ear plugs
These are individually custom-made to fit the user's external auditory canal. The auditory canal is sealed by the plug and the acoustic filter determines the required attenuation.
- Advantages (compared to disposable and pre-formed)
Maximum comfort - especially for long-term usage, easy to use, secure and stable seal that ensures a high level of protection certainty. A broad range of filters offers the opportunity of attaining the best possible attenuation level, retention of perception of signals and sounds, and, what is more, continuous ventilation of the auditory canal.
Not immediately available (delivery time), relatively high investment in initial purchase, but will pay in the long run.
