Hearing Protection Devices: Pros and Cons
Formable (roll down inserts): Placed into the entrance of the ear canal forming a seal to block sound.
Pros:
- Foam standard sizes
- Fills ear canal
- Disposable
- Good for long use
- Small; not bulky; portable; easy storage
- Inexpensive
- Generally more comfortable
- Can be worn without worrying about helmets, earrings, glasses, or hair interfering
- Highest amount of attenuation
Cons:
- Requires something to be in the ear
- One size fits all
- If not properly inserted, the amount of attenuation is reduced
- Reusable on limited basis
- Not washable; if dirty, wet, or earwax-y, it must be thrown away
- Can be hard to fit (e.g. small canal, collapsing canal, odd canal anatomy, excessive wax, etc.)
- If not properly cared for, it can insert dirt, infection etc., into ear
- Ear mold impression not required
Price: $28.00-36.00 for 200 pairs
Premolded: Placed into the entrance of the ear canal forming a seal to block sound. Variety of sizes and styles. Flanges provide seal against canal wall.
Pros:
- Re-usable
- Keeps shape if kept clean
- Washable
- Insertion and removal handle available
- Can be worn without worrying about helmets, earrings, glasses, or hair interfering
- Easy storage
Cons:
- Does not mold to ear
- Does not fit to individual ear
- Requires something to be in the ear
- Can be hard to fit (e.g. small canal, collapsing canal, odd canal anatomy, excessive wax, etc.)
- If not properly cared for, it can insert dirt, infection etc., into ear
Price: $1.45-16.75 per pair
Custom molded ear plug
Pros:
- Molded to fit each individual
- Comfortable
- Can be worn without worrying about helmets, earrings, glasses, or hair interfering
- Easy storage
- Reusable
- Last many years
- Excellent for small canals or odd canal anatomy
Cons:
- Requires something to be in the ear
- Requires ear mold impression
- If not properly cared for, it can insert dirt, infection etc., into ear
Price: $70.00 each; $140.00 for a pair
Ear muffs (standard and electronic): Placed over or around the ears creating a seal against the head. One size fits all.
Pros:
- Easier to fit than other HPD
- Hard to Lose
- Can be taken off and put on multiple times per day
- Do not need to insert anything into the canal
- Reusable
Cons:
- Periodic replacement of earmuffs or cushions
- Can be uncomfortable
- Can restrict head motion
- Hair, glasses, or earrings can affect the amount of protection
- Can cause pressure on head
- Bulky; need more area to store
Price: Standard- $10.00-23.00; Electronic- $98.00-212.00
Musician earplugs: Custom earplugs; reduces sound levels evenly allowing speech and music to be more natural.
Pros:
- Allows speech and music to sound more natural and clear (without a plugged or muffled feeling) while reducing risk of damage from noise
- Allows musician to hear their own instrument and how it is blending with other instruments
- Reusable
- Washable
- Lasts many years
Cons
- Acclimation time
- Deep earmold impression required
- Extra care when cleaning
- If filter is not properly placed back in mold correctly, it will not provide the amount of protection needed
Price: $100.00-125.00 each; $200.00-$250.00 for a pair
Digital custom earplugs/ premolded insert ear plugs: Built in electronics which detect when noise reaches a level that could be harmful (e.g. gun shot, explosions, crashes, etc.) and instantly reduces the noise to a safe level.
Pros:
- Great for hunters or people in environments with fluctuating noise levels
- Allows person to hear when loud sounds are not present because of the built in sound enhancer
- Reusable
- Washable
- Small; convenient; easy storage.
Cons:
- Requires something to be in the ear
- Some require an earmold impression
- Requires battery
- Expensive
Price: $200.00-600.00 each; $400.00-1,200.00 for a pair
Have more questions about hearing protection devices? Contact Arizona Hearing Center and talk to our board-certified specialists by phone at 602.313.1243, or by email at Scheduling@Azhear.Com.
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