There are many types of hearing protection devices. In this article we will discuss the various types of devices and who should use them.

Musicians/Music Lover Children Sleep Plugs Industrial ear plugs Hunters

 

Musicians/Music Lover

Musicians/Music Lover

ER-20 ETY Plugs: Non Custom Etymotic 20dB filter used by musicians and audio enthusiasts.

Pro: Reduces all sounds evenly so music still sounds good. 2 sizes to choose from. Low price.Con: Non custom so it does not fit all ears properly.
Must be inserted deep and have very good seal in order to work properly.
Not as comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

Custom Musicians earplug

with interchangeable Etymotic 9dB, 15dB or 25dBfilters. Used by musicians, audio engineers, and audio enthusiasts. Pro: Reduces all sounds evenly so music sounds good.
Custom fit for comfort and ensures proper seal every time.
Interchangeable filter reduces sounds 9, 15, or 25 dB depending on environment.
Re-usable for many years Con: Cost of custom silicon ear plugs, ear impressions, as well as high quality filters.

 

Children

Peltor Kid Earmuff and Peltor Junior Earmuff

Pro: Cost effective method for protecting a growing child’s hearing.
Reduced size for infants and kids up to 15 years old.Con: Slightly bulky.

Custom Swim Plugs

Typically used by children with tubes in ears to keep water from causing infection. Pro: Comfortable, water tight seal.
FloatingCon: Children’s ear canals change more frequently than adults so the plug won’t seal in time.

 

Sleep Plugs

Disposable Ear Plugs

Pro: Initial price is low. Good reduction of sound, provided the ear plugs are put in deeply.Con: Difficult to put in properly to ensure maximum sound reduction. Often falls out of ear.

Custom silicon

Pro: Low profile for comfort during sleeping. Con: Initial cost for plugs is high.

 

Industrial ear plugs

Disposable Ear plugs

Pro Initial price is low. Good reduction of sound provided the ear plugs are put in deeply. Con: Difficult to put in properly to ensure maximum sound reduction. Often falls out of ear. Comfort varies from user to user.

Industrial Earmuffs

Pro Quick and easy to use, fits most people.
Excellent noise reduction. Con:Heavy and bulky.
Puts pressure on the sides of your head.
When using safety glasses, a break in the seal may occur.

Solid Custom Earplugs

Pro Maximum protection with comfortable fit. Con:Higher initial investment.
Difficult to hear speech while wearing.

Filtered/Vented Custom Earplugs

Pro Good protection for specific high frequency noise with comfortable fit.
Ability to hear speech while wearing earplugs. Con:Higher initial investment.
Higher initial investment.

Hock’s Noisebreaker

Similar to filtered or vented earplugs, reduces high frequencies. Pro Good protection from all types of sound, prevents sound over 85 dB from entering the ear.
No electronic parts.
Also available in custom earmold. Con:Universal fit may not fit all ears. Custom solution higher initial investment.

 

Hunters

Sonic Valve

Reduces the explosion sound of gun shots. Pro: Good protection for specific high frequency noise with comfortable fit.
Ability to hear speech while wearing earplugs.Con: Higher initial investment.

Active Electronic Noise Dampeners

Reduces the explosion sounds from a gunshot while allowing speech and external sounds such as rustling branches to pass through and be sharpened for heightened awareness. Available in a behind the ear model, or custom in the ear model. Pro: Provides a safe solution for hunters to use while improving awareness of soft sounds. Con: Higher initial investment.
Uses batteries.