NPSF™ -- Are you just
trying to protect someone from noise-induced hearing loss?
| What
to Try... |
...And
Why: |
| Disposable Foam Ear Plugs |
Disposable foam ear plugs offer the highest level or
protection you can get in a single hearing protective device, but you
must get them properly inserted, and you must select the right plug to
fit your ears. Here is a short video tutorial on how to properly fit disposable foam ear plugs. To
find the perfect ear plug for you or your team, we offer several ear plug trial packs that let you try out a bunch
to find your favorites. If you are an employer, you probably already
know that training your employees in proper use of the disposable foam
ear plugs you provide is mandatory. You are welcome to use the video at
the above link for your corporate training if you wish. You probably
also know that OSHA recommends that you offer a range of different
disposable foam ear plugs so that all your employees can find a plug
that fits them comfortably. disposable foam ear plugs are ideal for
occasional use, and they are the least expensive hearing protective
device you can buy, but if you or your workers need to use them daily,
a reusable ear plug or a custom fitted ear plug might make more
economical sense in the long run. disposable foam ear plugs also
generate a lot of trash in the form of discarded plugs and their poly
bags. You can reduce the trash problem by getting your disposable foam ear plugs in bulk dispensers. The
dispensers also reduce the consumption of ear plugs by making it more
difficult to just grab a big handful of plugs... which can be a plus or
a minus depending on your specific situation. |
| No-Roll Foam Ear Plugs |
No-roll foam ear plugs are foam ear plugs with a hard plastic
stem. The stem lets you simply push the foam plugs down into the ear
canal without having to first roll the foam into a tight cylinder. This
lets you insert and remove the plugs without having to touch the foam,
so they are less likely to become dirty between uses. No-roll foam ear
plugs are designed for short term use, similarly to disposable foam ear
plugs, but because they can be reinserted without having to be rolled,
No-roll foam ear plugs do generally last a little longer than
disposable foam ear plugs. Their higher cost makes No-roll foam ear
plugs far less popular than disposable foam ear plugs, but for those
who just cannot get the hang of rolling the plugs, no-roll foam ear
plugs offer a good alternative that provides almost as good performance
at a better price than do most of the other options. |
| Reusable Pre-Molded Ear Plugs |
Reusable pre-molded ear plugs let you reuse the same set of
ear plugs for days or even weeks at a time, even with all day, every
day use, saving a lot of money over time compared to disposable foam
ear plugs. One challenge with reusable pre-molded ear plugs is that
they can become dirty between uses and can then cause ear infections.
Because of this problem, plus the added cost to buy them, and their
generally lower level of protection, reusable pre-molded ear plugs are
not as widely used in large industrial settings as are disposable foam
ear plugs. For the home hobbyist/handyman, though, reusable pre-molded
ear plugs are an excellent choice as long as you have the discipline to
clean your ear plugs and store them properly after each use. It can
cost more in experimentation to find a reusable pre-molded ear plug you
like since they are more expensive than are disposable foam ear plugs,
and just as with disposable foam ear plugs, you will have to experiment
with different models to find which you like best. We offer a trial pack of the industrial reusable ear plugs
that can help you find one you like. |
| Banded Ear Plugs |
Banded ear plugs are plastic bands fitted with foam, molded
silicone or gel tips. The band applies clamping pressure that holds the
tips in place, either in the canal, or more commonly, just plugging the
opening of the canal. Banded ear plugs are a good solution for those
who just need the protection for a small percentage of the time, and
who need to be able to quickly remove or put the plugs in place. Banded
ear plugs can simply hang around the neck between uses, and they are
much lighter weight and less cumbersome than ear muffs, which are also
a good choice for occasional use through the day. Another benefit of
banded ear plugs is that you do not need to touch the tips to insert
them, so they are less likely to become soiled through handling than
are other kinds of ear plugs. |
| Moldable Silicone or Wax Ear Plugs |
Moldable ear plugs are simple blobs of silicone putty or wax,
which is usually mixed with cotton fibers to help keep the wax together
when it gets below about 85 degrees or so. Moldable ear plugs have the
advantage of protecting hearing without the need to insert anything
into the ear canal. Moldable ear plugs fill the outer ear, covering the
opening to the canal, so they are very comfortable to wear for extended
periods of time. The downsides to moldable ear plugs include a lower
NRR of about 22-25 dB, their high initial cost (though the cost per use
is about the same as for foam, because they last longer in situations
where they can be kept clean,) their stickiness which can capture dirt
and hair reducing their usable life, and for wax, the requirement that
they be kneaded for a while before inserting them. Kneading is required
to warm and soften them up each time you use them, but this can be
facilitated by carrying them in a pocket close to the body where they
remain warm and soft. Silicone putty is more stable, and requires no
preparatory kneading to soften them, but both kinds must be kneaded a
little to renew the tackiness that holds them in the ear. For workers
who must wear ear plugs for protection, moldable ear plugs do offer an
alternative for those with sensitive ear canals, those who have ear
injuries or infections that will not allow the use of in the canal
types of ear plugs, but other than these exceptions moldable ear plugs
are generally too costly for general, daily use in industry. |
| Adhesive Foam Ear Plugs |
Adhesive foam ear plugs are the newest type of ear plug.
Adhesive foam ear plugs are a triangular shaped piece of foam, about
1/8 inch thick, with adhesive on one side. They are used to hold the
tragus (the small flap of skin and cartilage just forward of the ear
canal) down over the canal opening. This is similar to what most people
do when they "put their fingers in their ears" to avoid a loud noise.
They press the tragus down to cover the canal opening, and this is
quite effective. The benefits of the Ear Muffers, the only brand of
adhesive foam ear plugs currently available, are the high NRR 33
decibel rating, and the ability to protect from loud noise without
having anything inserted into the ear canal. The disadvantages are the
high initial cost, and the need to clean the skin where the adhesive
has to go in order to get a good seal each time. Adhesive foam ear
plugs are a single use product because the adhesive is compromised
after use, so it will not stick effectively a second time, making
adhesive foam ear plugs the most expensive ear plugs per use, of any
currently available. That said, adhesive foam ear plugs can sometimes
offer the only solution for special situations. |
| Passive Ear Muffs |
Passive ear muffs are plastic cups filled with sound
deadening foam, with a pad that presses against the head, fully
enclosing the ear. A headband, neckband, or hardhat attachment presses
on the outside of the ear cups so that they are pressed firmly against
the head to seal out noise. Passive ear muffs are very quick and easy
to put on and take off, and they are generally more comfortable to wear
than are ear plugs, especially if protection is only needed
periodically. Passive ear muffs rely on size and bulk to block noise,
so those that block an amount of noise similar to a foam ear plug, are
of necessity, quite bulky and heavy, and so they can make you
uncomfortable if you must wear them for long periods, especially in hot
and humid conditions. In cold situations, passive ear muffs can
actually help keep your ears warm. Passive ear muffs are more expensive
to buy than most ear plugs, but they do last longer, so the cost per
use is quite low. |
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