EAR DEFENDERS VS EARPLUGS: Which one is the best at protecting hearing?

The two main types of hearing protective gear are ear defenders and earplugs. Does it really matter if you use earplugs vs ear devenders? How do ear defenders work? How do I insert earplugs? All these questions and more will be answered below, allowing you to make an informed decision on which form of ear protection will work best for you and your workplace. Let’s start! When working in a hazardous environment finding the right PPEis, of course, key. It must allow you to be protected from the dangers posed without impeding on your ability to do your job e.g. your PPE must not be too hot, heavy or bulky. These issues are factored in when choosing your high visor head protection but should also be considered when selecting your hearing protection device (HPD). The choice that you make could result in you correctly protecting your hearing or putting yourself at risk of serious noise-induced hearing loss. Earplugs vs Ear Defenders Here’s a quick break down of what to expect from your earplugs or ear defenders. These advantages and disadvantages should give some insight to the differences between these HPDs and help to lay the foundation of which device will work best for you. EAR DEFENDERS EARPLUGS ADVANTAGES One-size-fits-all design means that they will comfortably fit most people. User friendly and very easy to put on and take off. Larger device means they are hard to misplace. Portable, small and compact they are easy to slip into your pocket or bag. Inserted into the ear, so they don’t interfere/ get in the way of other PPE (helmets/ goggles etc). Not irritating in hot environments, comfortable to wear for long time periods. Work well in small or confined spaces, there is no risk of them getting knocked off. DISADVANTAGES Large size makes them slightly less portable. Can collide with other PPE such as hard hat/ be knocked off by machinery and other hazards. Uncomfortable to wear in hot or humid environments. Small size makes them easy to lose or misplace. High levels of hygiene required for inserting and removing – to avoid infection. Can cause discomfort in the ear canal. Takes time to put on and remove. What are Ear Defenders? Ear defenders are HPDs that are characterised by an adjustable headband which joins together the two ear cups that sit at either end. Once placed around the outside of the ears the ear defenders should have enough force to clamp onto the ears, blocking out the surrounding noise without being uncomfortable for the user to wear. There are two main types of ear defender: passive and active. Passive Ear Defenders Passive ear defenders protect the wearer by absorbing sounds. The cushioned foam that makes up the ear defender can absorb incoming sounds and reduce the amplitude by increasing the overall air resistance. The headband is usually constructed from thermoplastic, plastic or metal which can affect the durability and price-point of the ear defenders in question. Some passive ear defenders are made out of softer materials for the purpose of keeping the ears warm as opposed to cancelling out sound, they tend to come in a wider range of colours and fabrics due to being designed for fashion as well as warmth. They are easy to spot as they do not have the hard outer shell that’s found on noise reduction ear defenders. The lack of electronics means that passive ear defenders are a relatively cheap option whilst still offering suitable, continuous hearing protection. They are a good option for activities such as: lawn mowing and working with heavy machinery. Click on passive ear defenders are almost identical to the headband version. However they are especially useful for people who wear a hard-hat as they can be easily attached when required - without interfering with the head protection. Active Ear Defenders Active ear defenders usually have a headband design and take advantage of technology. The ear cups are made with soft foam materials for comfort then fitted with microphones and speakers. Electronic Noise Cancellation or Active Noise Cancellation technology enables the ear defender to filter in and out sounds depending on their frequencies. This gives the user the option to allow and disallow certain noises. Although they are a more expensiveoption, active ear defenders do live up to their luxury price-point as they are extremely reliable. However, they may be more at risk to damage in work environments with high impact machinery. What are Earplugs? Earplugs (or ear plugs) are a tiny form of HPD that can be inserted directly into your ear.They are a highly effective, budget friendly option to protect your hearing. There are two main types of earplugs: disposable (one-time-use) and re-usable. How do I insert an ear plug? Wash your hands if they are visibly dirty or use a hand sanitiser that is at least 70% alcohol. Compress the earplug between you thumb and forefinger, push it gently into your ear canal (do not force it) and allow the end to slightly stick out of your ear. It should fit snugly. Once inserted you will feel the earplug expand in your ear. This takes up the remaining gaps and seals off reducing the overall noise. Always clean your hands before removing the earplug to reduce risk of infection. Moldex Spark ear Plugs Refill Pack 500 7860 3M 1100 Ear Plug orange Moldex Comet Cord Reusable Earplugs SRN 25. Box of 50 Black Earplug Dispenser Moldex Spark Plugs Refill Pack 500 7860 Brand Moldex SKU 786001 Price £44.92 3M 1100 Ear Plug Brand Portwest SKU 3M1100 Price £19.38 Moldex Comet Cord Reusable Earplugs SRN 25. Box of 50 Brand Moldex SKU 642101 Price £65.00 Earplug Dispenser Brand Portwest SKU EP20BKR Price £85.67 Disposable earplugs Small, made of foam and usually brightly coloured - to avoid them getting lost - disposable earplugs are widely used by a range of people from industrial workers to soldiers. Reusable earplugs There are lots of options when it comes to reusable earplugs. A slightly more expensive option, they can be cost-effective in the long run and enable you to be more specific with the type of hearing protection you need. Custom made – It is possible to get a mold of your ear canal usually made of rubber, silicone or plastic. Electronic– Work in a similar way to active earmuffs where they use a microphone and speaker system to reduce loud sounds and can even amplify small sounds for the user. Non-linear acoustic filtered earplugs – Made from breathable materials that allow moisture to escape the ear, keeping it ventilated whilst reducing the occlusion effect. Should I buy earplugs or earmuffs? Hopefully by now you have a clear idea of the similarities and difference between these two types of HPDs. In short, the hearing protection you chose must be based on the activity you are doing. Both earmuffs and earplugs are effective protective devices, therefore you must ask yourself: Am I working in an environment where I can ensure optimum hand hygiene to insert and remove my earplugs? Will my earmuffs interfere with other PPE? How consistent is the noise I am protecting myself from? After asking yourself these three questions and using the information above you should be able to make the best decision for you and your workplace scenario.

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