3 Types of Hearing Protection

There are three main types of hearing protection that you might want to consider depending on your situation and needs. People who are exposed to loud noises each day through their work have to take extra care to make sure they’re looking after their hearing and protect it properly. 

When they fail to do that, they make problems such as hearing loss more likely to occur in the future. If you’re currently trying to find the kind of hearing protection that’s going to be most appropriate for you and your situation, the information below should help you.

Molded or moldable foam earplugs

Basic earplugs can come in a few different varieties. You can get foam earplugs that are often disposable. These are very common, and the foam allowed them to fit to the shape of your ear, making them both effective and convenient to use. That’s what many people are looking for when choosing affordable earplugs.

It’s also possible to get custom-molded earplugs if you’re willing and able to spend a little more money on the earplugs you eventually choose. They’re designed to fit your needs and the particular shape of your ears, so the protection they offer is, of course, going to be of a higher quality. 

Semi-earplugs

Semi-earplugs are also an option that work well for some people. However, they may not be appropriate for individuals looking for strong ear protection. It’s a case of personal preference, and what works for one person’s hearing might not work as well for others.

What makes semi-earplugs different from other kinds of earplugs is how they’re worn and where they sit within the ear. They tend to sit not quite as deep within the ear and are connected with a firm headband. This has the benefit of offering extra stability to the user, keeping them in place and reducing the risk of them falling out when they’re in use.

Earmuffs

For those working or performing other tasks in environments that are particularly loud, it might be a better idea to choose earmuffs than earplugs. That’s because these options tend to be bigger and offer more protection by covering the ear. That’s something that small earplugs obviously can’t do. 

The earmuffs you’ll want to choose are the ones made using sound-attenuating materials, and ideally, made by a respected brand with a reputation for quality and reliability. They muffle the sound and are held in place with a headband that is usually adjustable. It’s often a good idea to try them on before you purchase.

Each of the different ways you can protect your hearing is useful depending on the situation. Be sure to consider the hearing risks you’re being exposed to and decide the way forward that’s going to be best and most appropriate for you. If you’re not sure about anything or require extra support with your hearing health, you can contact us today and book an appointment.