Back with the second part in his three-part series on Earplugs is a guest blogger, Toby Bateson, MD. Dr. Bateson is an Emergency Room Doctor in the UK as well as being the Managing Director of ZenPlugs Ltd. He is the inventor of the ZenPlugs Molded Earplug System and Hammer Technologies AutoMat Rat Repellent For Cars. His home is in Cornwall, UK, with his wife and two small children. His web site is here!
By Toby Bateson, MD
Audiologically Molded Earplugs
In order to pr0vide a patient with audiologically molded earplugs, an audiological specialist takes casts of the ears and sends them to a factory where molds are made that can be used to create a pair of hard silicon earplugs.
– Advantages. These earplugs are highly comfortable and effective at keeping out water and sound. Under ideal conditions, they can last through several years of regular use. They are ideal for sleeping, shooting, industrial use, water sports and most other instances where earplugs are required.
– Disadvantages. This type of earplug is by far the most expensive. Sometimes the results do not live up to the expense. The process is time-consuming, involving two or more visits to the audiology clinic for fitting and adjustment of the plugs.
Thermoplastic Custom-Molded Earplugs
This type of molded earplug can be made at home from a kit. The plastic softens in hot water and can be shaped directly in the ear in a short time. The plastic hardens to form a lasting impression of the ear when it cools. They can be connected on a cord.
– Advantages include the short time required to make a pair. Also, the fact that they are remoldable means that the user has several chances to get a good fit. This type is effective at keeping water and sound out of the ears and can be antibacterial, reducing the risk of ear infections. They should last for years with normal use.
– Disadvantages includes the initial cost being higher than most of the other types of earplugs discussed in this series, although the cost per use is generally lower due to the long life of the earplugs. They may become damaged if left on a radiator or dropped in a cup of tea.
Foam Earplugs
Foam earplugs are often made from a soft silicon foam or sponge.
– Advantages include the wide availability and low unit cost. They are highly effective at blocking sound and protecting the ears from excessive noise; they can be washed and reused several times and can be connected with a cord or over-the-head headband.
– Disadvantages include discomfort due to the expansion of the foam within the ear canal. This presses on the delicate soft skin lining the canals. It also causes the plug to gradually work its way out of the ear, eventually falling out. If this happens when you are asleep, it may wake you up. Because the plugs are made of foam they are not suitable for use in water, and can be unhygienic if overused, as dirt, debris and bacteria accumulate in the sponge. With repeated use and washing the plugs may become hard and unusable.
