We will have a guest blogger for the next few posts. Toby Bateson, MD, is an Emergency Room Doctor in the UK as well as being the Managing Director of ZenPlugs Ltd. Dr. Bateson is also the inventor of the ZenPlugs Molded Earplug System and Hammer Technologies AutoMat Rat Repellent For Cars. He lives in Cornwall, UK, with his wife and two small children. His website is here!
How To Choose Which Earplugs To Buy
By Dr. Toby Bateson
As there are so many varieties of earplug available to buy it can often be difficult knowing which type to choose. There are several factors to be considered when you are selecting earplugs; what you will be using them for, the materials used, cost, and whether or not to have a pair that are connected with a cord or lanyard. When choosing earplugs it is important to make sure that the material and the type are suitable for your use. If you only use earplugs infrequently then a foam or wax type may be appropriate. They cost less than molded earplugs, but they last for only a few uses, so they can become expensive if you use and replace them regularly. Rubber earplugs with flanges and soft silicon earplugs are suitable for use in water, as are molded earplugs, although these can be more expensive to buy. Despite this, molded earplugs can be cheaper in the long run, as they can be used repeatedly without needing replacement.
If you are planning to wear your earplugs while running, swimming, surfing or during other water sports, then a pair connected on a cord would be ideal. You can tie the cord to the zipper on your wetsuit so that if they come out of your ears while you are in the water you won’t lose them. This is more relevant with molded earplugs, as the replacement cost is higher.
Soft Silicon Earplugs
These are similar in consistency to wax earplugs and come in the form of a soft putty that is pushed into the ear. It is not possible to connect these with a cord.
– Advantages: Effective at banishing sound and water from the ears.
– Disadvantages: This type leaves residue on the skin. Dirt, hair and other materials may get stuck in the putty, making them hard and unhygienic after several uses. It is impossible to clean them so they need to be thrown away at this point. A high initial unit cost means that these can be expensive if used and disposed of frequently.
Hard Silicon Earplugs
This is a type of molded earplug that is supplied as a two-part putty which is mixed together and applied to the ear where it molds, sets and creates a lasting impression of the ear.
– Advantages: The result is comfortable, flexible, washes clean, effective at keeping sand and water from the ears and can be joined with a cord. They are non-porous so hygienic and suitable for use in water.
– Disadvantages: This type can be molded only once, so if the user does not get it right the first time a new kit needs to be purchased. The silicon can be messy and leave residue on the skin. May deteriorate over time and may split or crack, particularly if not stored correctly.
