| There are numerous types of products designed | | | | The second type, reusable plugs (pre-molded) are |
| for hearing protection and safety. It is both an | | | | made from silicone, plastic, or rubber and are |
| optional accessory (for loud concerts, fireworks, | | | | typically available in sizes or made "one size fits |
| or drag races) and also mandatory and essential | | | | all." Despite their engineering, a person may need |
| for workers in a variety of industries, such as | | | | a different size for different ears. The advantage |
| construction, transportation, and manufacturing, to | | | | of this second type is that they are washable, |
| name a few. There are many different forms of | | | | convenient to install and carry, and generally |
| hearing protection used today, such as expandable | | | | comfortable and effective. The third type is canal |
| foam plugs, pre-molded reusable plugs, canal caps, | | | | caps, and they resemble ear plugs but are |
| and earmuffs. Depending on the type of ear plugs | | | | adjoined by a band often made of plastic or |
| used, noise reduction is usually between 25 and 33 | | | | metal. The band can be worn in several places (on |
| decibels in range. Knowing how to differentiate | | | | top of the head, along the nape, or under the |
| between the various forms of ear protection is a | | | | chin). This type is convenient for intense noise |
| must before making your purchase. | | | | that starts and stops randomly in an environment, |
| Internal Ear Plugs: | | | | such as a construction site. |
| Internal ear plugs fit into a person's respective ear | | | | External Ear Protection: |
| canal for the purpose of external noise | | | | Because they fit snuggly around the ear, external |
| cancellation. There are three main types of | | | | ear protection is often worn with protective gear |
| internal earplugs. The first, expandable foam plugs, | | | | such as hats, helmets, or other cranial equipment. |
| are made of material that can expand and | | | | One type of external aural protection includes |
| conform to the shape of each person's ear canal. | | | | earmuffs, which fit over the entire ear and are |
| To use this type appropriately you roll the plugs | | | | designed to completely block out noise. Although |
| into a thin cylinder that will easily fit into the ear | | | | this is the case, some are outfitted to allow for |
| canal. People with small ear canals have difficulty | | | | communication between users, such as in the |
| forming small enough plugs, which can not only | | | | cockpit of a helicopter. These are effective but |
| diminish the effectiveness but also the | | | | can be hot or uncomfortable in certain |
| convenience of internal ear plugs. | | | | environments. |