Hearing Protection

Why Noise Protection is Essential for Your Health

Exposure to excessive noise can have serious consequences for your hearing health. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can damage the cochlea (the inner hear, your hearing organ) and lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). This is often irreversible. Additionally, constant noise exposure can contribute to tinnitus (ringing in the ears), stress, sleep disturbances, and an overall decrease in quality of life. 

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"

Because noise-induced hearing loss builds up over time and is not reversible, it's crucial to take proactive measures to protect your ears from harmful noise levels, whether you're at a concert, working or playing in a noisy environment, or simply trying to sleep in a loud neighborhood. Utilizing earplugs can be an effective way to significantly reduce the risk of hearing damage. To ensure maximum effectiveness, hearing protection should be worn consistently whenever exposed to loud noise. If worn only occasionally or if the fit is improper, their effectiveness is significantly diminished. This is why finding the earplug that best fits your needs and your ear is critical.

What Is a Noise Reduction Ratio (NRR) and Why Is It Important?

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is a measurement used to show how well earplugs or other hearing protection devices reduce the loudness of noise. The higher the NRR, the more sound the earplugs block out. Different types of earplugs have different NRRs because of the materials and designs used. NRR doesn’t affect all frequencies equally. Sounds are made up of different frequencies—low, mid, and high. Some earplugs are better at blocking certain frequencies than others, depending on their design and materials. In general, earplugs with higher NRR will block more sound across all frequencies, but certain filters can modify that to let through specific ranges, giving more control over what you hear. This is especially useful in environments where you want protection but still need to communicate or listen to important sounds, or when wanting to listen to music. The NRRs for the most common earplugs are listed below.

Types of Earplugs: Finding the Right Fit for You

There are various types of earplugs available, each designed to cater to different needs, preferences and budgets.

1. Foam earplugs (budget option, best for general noise protection):

Popular for their affordability and ease of use; they are made of memory foam and expand to fit the ear canal, providing a snug fit. Pros include their low cost, excellent noise reduction (high NRR around 25-33 dB) and disposability. Cons are that they may not fit all ear canals perfectly, and cannot be cleaned (must be disposed), contributing to environmental waste. However, the primary disadvantage is that they can become uncomfortable for extended use due to the pressure they exert on the ear canal and because they will create an "occlusion phenomenon" in the ear. This is a phenomenon where internal sounds are amplified and echo in the plugged ears: you'll hear yourself talk and breath louder. Try blocking one ear with your finger and hum at the same time : you will hear the humming much louder in your plugged ear! Also, since they lack the option to incorporate acoustic filters, the reduction of sound is uneven, with high frequencies being diminished more than low frequencies. As a result, speech will sound muffled with foam plugs. This makes it challenging to understand your colleagues or friends in noisy environments when using them. You may find yourself frequently removing the earplugs during work shifts or concerts to communicate, which significantly reduces their noise protection benefits. They also shift easily when you talk or chew, breaking the seal and allowing harmful sounds to enter.

For these reasons, foam earplugs would be recommended for general noise protection and for individuals with occasional noise exposure. 

 

2. Moldable silicone earplugs (best for sleeping):

They are known for their reusability and comfort, at the expense of lower noise reduction (NRR of around 20-25 dB). They are purchased in packages of moldable "putty" (silicone or sometimes wax) balls that you will mold with your fingers to your ear canal opening. Since they rest just outside the ear canal, they are the most comfortable and are frequently recommended for sleeping. Other pros include versatility for activities like swimming since they mold to the shape of your ear and effectively seal it. Although they are slightly more expensive than the foam plugs, they remain affordable, and can be re-used for a certain duration (up to five uses typically). Cons: they do attract dirt, hair or anything else that will stick on them, so do not expect them to stay clean too long. You will have to discard them once too dirty. Also, they have lower noise reduction compared to foam earplugs and custom-molded earplugs. Just like the foam plugs, they do not provide the ability to add acoustic filters, they reduce sound unevenly across frequencies (leading to difficult communication), and will create an occlusion phenomenon (described above).

3. Flanged earplugs (best budget option for music):

Made from silicone and plastic, flanged earplugs are factory pre-molded into the shape seen in the picture, unlike the two options described above which are moldable. The several flanges offer multiple layers of seals, reaching high NRRs (around 20-25 dB when used with no filter). They're easier to wear and provide immediate protection without needing the expansion time required by foam plugs. They can feature a filter in the stem, allowing for various levels of noise reduction. These are more specialized earplugs which reduce sound levels evenly across frequencies, allowing for "clear" hearing while protecting your ears. If you do not see a filter in the stem, it may be a "regular" earplug with a flanged shape, so be cautious (they would function like foam earplugs, but you wouldn't have to roll them into your ear; this design reduces manipulation during insertion which is well-suited for workers in harsh environments). Flanged earplugs with filters are ideal for reducing noise without muffling important sounds like music or speech, making it an excellent fit for audiophiles. These earplugs offer a higher level of quality and durability compared to foam or silicone molded earplugs. They can last from one to six months due to their reusable and washable design. This durability, along with their superior sound quality, comes at a higher price.

They would NOT recommended for impact noise such as shooting sports. Also, because of the stem, they would not be recommended for sleeping.

4. Custom-molded silicone earplugs (premium option, best for occupational noise protection, general noise protection, swimming, music and sleeping):

While more expensive, custom-molded offer the a perfect ear fit, highest comfort and excellent noise reduction. They are tailored specifically to your ears and give you the option to add different types of acoustic filters that will fit your specific need and noisy environment. Their NRR can vary widely based on the type of filter, from 15 dB for music to over 30 dB for noise protection.

• Musicians and DJ’s: Fitted with specialized musician filters to allow for ideal listening of the musical details at a comfortable listening level (sounds at all frequencies are equally reduced)
• Noise: Fitted with specialized noise filters to allow for ideal communication while attenuated the unwanted excessive noise. They can be used by people working in noise, or individuals who are often in noisy situations
• Swimming and water: Flottable silicone earplugs for children and adults who want to avoid water in the ears (no filters). Can be equipped with accessories like cords or clips, making them perfect for swimmers or surfers.
• Sleeping: Comfortable silicone earplugs for a good night sleep (no filters)

Custom-molded plugs are vented, and as a result they will not create an occlusion phenomenon. Earplugs purchased in stores might not be the right for people with sensitive ears, sensitive skin or small/large/unusually shaped ear canals. Custom-molded earplugs provide a comfortable and tailored solution for these individuals. While they showcase many premium features, cons are the higher cost and the time needed to create the custom mold. 

The process of obtaining these earplugs begins with a visit to a hearing healthcare provider (audiologist or hearing aid specialist) who will take an impression of your ear canal opening to create a unique mold. That mold is then 3D-scanned and 3D-printed with silicone and hardened to an ideal texture and consistency. Filters are then added. This type of silicone is very durable, lasting years and withstanding harsh environments. 

If you are interested in obtaining custom-molded earplugs, 3dB lab offers a full range of high quality, Canadian-made products. You can browse and order their products here 

How to Properly Use and Maintain Your Earplugs

To ensure your earplugs provide the best protection, it's essential to use them correctly. For foam earplugs, roll them into a small cylinder, insert them into your ear canal, and hold them in place until they expand. For moldable silicone earplugs, gently press them into the outer ear until they form a seal. For flanged earplugs and custom-made earplugs, simply insert them into your ear canal. 

Proper maintenance is also crucial. Foam earplugs should be disposed of after a few uses, while moldable silicone can be cleaned and used for a few uses (typically five).  Custom-molded earplugs should be cleaned regularly with mild soap and water. Store your earplugs in a clean, dry case to prevent contamination and prolong their lifespan. Avoid manipulating your earplugs if your hands are visibly soiled.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your earplugs remain effective and comfortable, providing optimal protection for your hearing health.

Alternatives to earplugs

1. Earmuffs

They are a widely used option for ear protection, particularly in noisy environments like industrial workplaces or loud recreational activities such as shooting or lawn mowing. Their design offers several clear benefits. First, they are incredibly easy to use—just slip them over your ears, and they provide immediate noise reduction. Most earmuffs have soft, padded ear cups that create a snug fit around your ears, helping to block out harmful sounds while still being comfortable enough to wear for shorter periods. They are also durable and easy to maintain, with many models featuring replaceable parts like cushions or bands, allowing for long-term use. Earmuffs are often adjustable to fit various head sizes, making them suitable for different users.

However, there are some downsides to consider. Because earmuffs are bulky, they can become uncomfortable during prolonged use, especially in hot or humid conditions where they can trap heat and cause sweating. This makes them less ideal for extended wear in warm environments. Additionally, while earmuffs offer strong protection against high-decibel noise, they may not block out lower-frequency sounds as effectively. This can be a disadvantage in settings where complete noise isolation is needed, such as when focusing in a noisy office or trying to sleep on a plane. Finally, the size of earmuffs may interfere with wearing other protective gear, like helmets or goggles, which can be an issue for people working in construction or heavy industry. 

2. Noise-cancelling headphones 

This post would not be complete without discussing noise-cancelling headphones. Apple's AirPods Pro are the rock stars of this product category. Noise-cancelling headphones are a popular and effective choice for protecting your ears from ambient noise, particularly in environments like offices, airplanes, or public transportation. The key advantage of noise-cancelling headphones lies in their ability to actively reduce unwanted sound through technology. They use built-in microphones to detect external noise and generate sound waves that cancel it out, creating a quieter listening experience without needing to raise the volume. This makes them ideal for reducing constant, low-frequency noises like engine hum or air conditioning, which traditional earmuffs may struggle with. Additionally, they offer the benefit of allowing users to listen to music or audio while reducing outside distractions. However, there are a few drawbacks. Noise-cancelling headphones tend to be more expensive than standard headphones or earmuffs, and the electronic components mean that they require battery power to operate the noise-cancelling feature. In noisy, irregular environments like construction sites or concerts, they may not be as effective as passive noise-blocking devices like earmuffs. They can also be less durable for rugged use and may not completely block out high-frequency, sharp sounds.