If you’re going to a concert, festival, sporting event or other loud, dynamic event soon, you should really consider hearing protection. As audiologists, we care deeply about maintaining your hearing health whenever possible. So let’s break down one of the most common forms of hearing protection: reusable earplugs.
What Are Reusable Earplugs?
Reusable earplugs are made from soft foam. You insert them into your ears, and they seal off the ear canal and absorb incoming sound waves, diminishing their force significantly. They are easy to find at almost any grocery store or pharmacy, and quite inexpensive, to boot.
So, Are They Worth It?
The answer is, yes! When used properly, they can reduce noise amplitude by up to 30 dB. At events like concerts and sporting events, which can easily reach 100 dB, a 30-decibel reduction brings the noise level back into safe hearing range. We’ll happily endorse any form of hearing protection—it’s certainly better than no hearing protection at all. And when they’re as inexpensive as they are, you’re definitely getting your money’s worth.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Reusable Earplugs?
Also yes. There are two big drawbacks to reusable earplugs:
- It’s easy to insert them improperly, significantly reducing their efficacy
- They can distort sound
Unfortunately, most people are putting reusable earplugs in improperly. You should roll the foam between your fingers to compress the earplug before inserting it into your ear; this allows it to expand and mold to the contours of your ear canal, creating a seal that prevents forceful soundwaves from entering. Many people simply shove the earplugs into their ears, which doesn’t create this critical seal.
The other drawback is sound distortion. As the soft foam absorbs incoming sound waves, it may affect the array of sound pitches differently. At a sporting event, this may not be that big of an issue, but if you’re a music lover at a concert, this might be a frustrating side effect, as it distorts the music.
Are There Any Alternatives to Reusable Earplugs?
Yes again! Custom earplugs are a fantastic alternative to reusable earplugs. They work in a similar fashion—seal off the ear canal and absorb incoming sounds—but they remove much of the variability of reusables. They’re composed of silicone and crafted using a mold taken of your ear canal, ensuring a perfect, customized, comfortable fit.
Furthermore, there are custom-made musicians’ earplugs available that are specifically designed to address the issue of sound distortion. These earplugs have a small microphone, digital processor and speaker. They use these to evaluate incoming sound and then project it into your ear at a lowered volume while still preserving the way it sounds.
If you have any questions about hearing protection, noise-induced hearing loss or where to find custom earplugs for your next loud event, give us a call at Rancho Santa Fe Audiology. We’re happy to be your partners in hearing health. And if you think you need a hearing test to evaluate for noise-induced hearing loss, call us to make an appointment.
