What are the Best Earplugs for Hearing Protection?

Hearing protection is essential for any individual who spends a lot of time in environments with loud noises. Not only can hearing loss affect the quality of life, but it also increases the risk of developing dementia and other diseases. There are many different types of earplugs to choose from, but not all will work for everyone. To find out what the best earplugs are, read this article!

Different types of earplugs

No matter what style of hearing protection you choose, make sure that your plug fits snugly to block out the noise! Some individuals may be sensitive to pressure changes in the ear canal, so they should avoid flanged designs. Those with smaller ear canals might want to consider a soft foam design because it expands and contracts easily.

Some people do better with a custom-molded design fitted for their ears by an audiologist or other trained professional. The best plugs will also minimize the sound levels while still allowing you to hear important sounds like alarms and voices when necessary.

Earplugs for different uses

Earplugs can be customized based on your needs, whether you’re trying to get more sleep at night or you enjoy a noisy hobby.

For sleep

If you’re looking for earplugs to sleep in, look for a design that is comfortable and will block out the noise. Some designs are made from memory foam or soft silicone materials, which can help reduce pressure on your ears and provide comfort.

For swimming

There are special plugs designed specifically for water activities like swimming because they keep water out of the canal while allowing you to hear essential sounds from outside. These come with flanges around the outer rim, so they fit securely in your ear without leaking!

For sleeping at home

Many people want good quality ear protection when sleeping but might not need them all day long. For this reason, many specialists recommend getting high-fidelity hearing protection. This type of plug uses sound compression technology to lower the decibel level of loud noises while still allowing you to hear voices and other important sounds.

For traveling

If you need earplugs for your next flight or trip on a train, look for high-fidelity plugs that will reduce ambient noise without blocking all sound. These usually have an NRR (noise reduction rating) of 25-32 dBs, which is enough to block most low-frequency engine noise but not so much that they make it hard to talk with someone sitting nearby.

For work

You may want something stronger than what you would use at home if you’re regularly exposed to very loud noises during your job. In this case, it’s best to get custom-molded hearing protection from an audiologist who can make sure you get the right fit. These are made from a mold of your ear canal, so they’re guaranteed to be comfortable and effective at keeping out the noise!

For sports

If you regularly participate in shooting or hunting activities during your free time, then it’s best to use special decibel-reducing plugs with an NRR rating between 29-33 dBs. This is enough protection for most people while still allowing them to hear important sounds like voices nearby.

What types of earplugs should I avoid?

Earplugs shouldn’t hurt or be uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time either. If your earplugs are causing you pain, they’re probably not appropriately fitted, so visit an audiologist who can help get them adjusted just right! Be sure to avoid designs with sharp edges that could irritate your ears inside because this is also very painful and damaging over long-term use.

What are some other best practices when using hearing protection?

It’s important to keep your earplugs clean and avoid touching the end when you insert them into the canal because this could lead to an infection or irritation inside! You can protect yourself from these issues by buying special cleaners that will help reduce germs on the surface of your ear protection which is especially important if you use them for work.

Where can I find some good hearing protection?

The best way to start looking for high-fidelity options in stores near you would be at an audiologist. They provide fitting services and sell products like musician’s plugs (very strong, noise-reducing), earplugs (moderate, noise-reducing), and a wide variety of other suitable earplugs. For more information regarding the best earplugs for yourself, feel free to contact Siouxland Hearing Healthcare, P.L.C. at (712) 266-3662 and we’ll be happy to assist!