4 Ear Protection Options

Did you know that using a lawn mower or any other large home tool could potentially damage your hearing? It doesn’t take much to cause permanent damage to our ears and the best solution to protect our hearing is ear protection. Ear protection can come in many different shapes and sizes, and in this article, we’re going to explain four different types of ear protection that your audiologist will likely recommend to you.

1. Ear muffs

Large ear muffs or headphones are commonly used to block out sounds in places like a construction site or a music concert. These are great if you need all-around protection and would like something that is easy to put on and take off. Unlikely earplugs and buds, ear muffs are simple to use and won’t break as easily as smaller earplugs.

2. Disposable earplugs

Disposables are inexpensive and easy to put on. However, their biggest flaw lies in their fragility. You’d be surprised just how quickly you can damage a pair of disposable earplugs and you also need to remember that you replace them every time you use them. Disposables should not be used repeatedly because they can attract dust, earwax, and germs. However, they are inexpensive and great for infrequent use now and then.

3. Earplug band

Instead of just earplugs, it’s possible to get a band that hangs around your neck and has earplugs attached to the band with strings. These are inexpensive (not as cheap as disposables, however) but they don’t get lost as easily because they are attached to a neck or headband. These are a lot more discreet (although still noticeable) and are much easier to take off and put on.

4. Customized earplugs

Customized earplugs are great if your ears are irregular sizes or if you want the best of the best. They typically use the same earplug technology as disposable earplugs, but the exception is that customized earplugs are better quality, fit better in your ear and can easily be washed when they’re not in use. Custom earplugs are also a lot more study than regular earplugs and are less likely to cause irritation or impacted earwax.

These are the four most common types of ear protection that you’ll see. We definitely recommend that you use at least one of them and choose it based on your needs. However, you could also speak to your audiologist to see what their opinion is. If you tell your audiologist about your lifestyle, your job, and other commitments, then they’ll be able to recommend you something based on your needs.