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Heather Rudisill, AuD 
Timothy C. Hain, MD
Page last modified:
January 5, 2008
Somewhat of the opposite idea than hearing aids, but partaking of the same general technology, ear plugs are used to protect hearing. The simplest and cheapest earplug is generally the foam earplug available in your local drugstore. Ear-muffs (available from hardware stores and gun shops) are also useful. Ear plugs and ear muffs can be combined for maximum hearing protection.
Musicians are particularly prone to develop hearing loss, either from their own playing or that of other instrumentalists. There are a number of "heavier duty" ear plug strategies that can be used to reduce the chance of noise injury. "Musicians ear plugs" (see graphic below) are basically calibrated ear molds that can reduce sound intensity by a controlled amount. This is much less chancy than using a foam ear plug which might not work every time and which might be deep in the canal one day and sticking out the next.
Musicians ear plugs are generally "flat" so that bass and treble notes are not relatively favored, thus distorting perception. Conventional earplugs reduce high frequencies more than low and mid frequencies, which makes music and voices sound muffled or unclear. Musicians earplugs reduce all frequencies by about the same amount in order to preserve the sound quality of music, just quieter.
Drummers should use the highest rating of Musicians ear plugs, such as the ER-25. Guitarists and vocalists can use the less attenuating ER-15 (see figure below). These ear plugs require a visit to a clinic to get an impression made, so that they are specific for the ear being fitted. The typical cost for a pair of Musicians earplugs is about $180. Too much ear protection can result in overplaying and not enough protection can result in hearing loss.
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| Musicians earplugs are available in ER-9, ER-15, and ER-25, according to ones need for sound attenuation. These types of plugs can be ordered online, but require a visit to a local audiologist to get an impression made. They can also be ordered directly from the audiologist making the impression. | Non-custom Musicians earplugs are available in ER-20. These are ready-fit earplugs that reduce sound evenly by 20 dB at all frequencies. These types of plugs can be ordered online or at an audiologist’s office for between $12.00-$20.00 per pair. |
For people who like to wear earplugs when sleeping, the inexpensive foam earplugs that can be found at the local drugstore are a good option. Since the purpose of a sleep plug is simply to reduce bothersome noise, there is no need for the even attenuation of frequencies provided by the Musicans earplugs. For increased comfort, custom earplugs are available (see below). The combination of the soft silicone material and custom fit improves comfort while sleeping. This type of earplug requires a visit to a local audiologist to get an impression made.
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| Custom sleep earplug. Photo courtesy of Westone |
iPOD and MP3 player Earmolds
Custom earmolds are available for iPod and other MP3 players through your local audiologist. The earbuds that come stardard with the music player can be coupled with the earmolds, so that one does not need to purchase a new set of earbuds. These earmolds provide two main advantages over earbuds: 1) the custom fit makes them more comfortable and less likely to fall out of ones ears and 2) they reduce the amount of ambient noise so that the volume of the music player doesn’t need to be set as high. At our clinic, Chicago Dizziness and Hearing, a pair costs approximately $150.00.
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| Custom earmolds such as used for an iPod. (Photo courtesy of Westone) |
Swimmolds are earplugs that are used to keep water out of the ear. Most commonly people wear these while swimming. Individuals with a hole in their eardrum should use an earplug in the shower as well, so that water doesn’t pass into the middle ear space. These come in a variety of colors and are typically made of silicone.
Non-custom swim plugs are also available online and at some drugstore. Above is an example of pliable, silicone swim plugs that can be molded to one’s ear. One-size-fits all swim molds are typically a simple, inexpensive ($3-$5) option, but one must be careful to mold it to the ear properly in order to ensure a good seal so that no water passes through.
Hunting is a recreation that requires one to hear very soft sounds, while still protecting the hearing from loud, high impacts sounds. Therefore, there are a number of devices designed especially for hunters. Some are in-the-ear devices, others are over-the-ear muffs. Some are custom, others are not. Some are provide amplification as well as hearing protections, others do not provide the amplification and only attenuate sound. These devices can be purchased online (see websites below) or through an audiologist.
| © Copyright May 22, 2008 , Timothy C. Hain, M.D. All rights reserved. Last saved on May 22, 2008 |