Earplugs: Which Type for Which Use

The main types

• Formable earplugs (such as foam): expand inside the ear canal and fill it (CDC/NIOSH).
• Pre-formed earplugs: a fixed shape that fits most ears (CDC/NIOSH).
• Custom earplugs: made from an impression of a person's ear (CDC/NIOSH).
• Flat-attenuation (musician's) earplugs: reduce sound evenly across frequencies, so it sounds truer (CDC/NIOSH). A report in the NIOSH collection describes them as an option for musicians that does not distort sound.
• Swimming earplugs: the NHS suggests earplugs or a swimming hat over the ears to keep them dry. That is a different purpose from noise protection.

Which type for which use

• Noise at work or at home: foam or pre-formed; protection only works when fitted correctly (HSE).
• Concerts and parties: flat-attenuation earplugs; also keep away from loudspeakers (WHO).
• Sleep: an earplug comfortable enough to wear for hours; comfort is the key to regular use (CDC/NIOSH).
• Swimming: swimming earplugs or a hat over the ears; they keep ears dry but do not protect from noise (NHS).
• Long, regular use: custom earplugs; still check that they fit well (CDC/NIOSH).

According to the CDC, earplugs are often more comfortable than earmuffs, especially over long periods.

The protection rating: what it tells you and what it doesn't

Packaging shows a number describing how much the product reduces noise: NRR in the US, while the UK's HSE refers to SNR. According to the CDC, this number often does not reflect the actual protection each person gets, and many users do not achieve a good fit. Correct insertion matters as much as the number.

How to insert a foam earplug

CDC/NIOSH describes three steps:

• Roll: roll the earplug between your fingers into a thin, small cylinder.
• Pull: with the other hand, pull the top of your ear up and back to straighten the canal.
• Hold: hold the earplug in with a finger until it expands and fills the canal.

When it fits well, your own voice sounds muffled and most of the earplug is inside the canal. A simple check: cup your hands over your ears; if the noise gets much quieter, the earplug may not be sealing. Take it out and try again. Always insert earplugs with clean hands.

Hygiene, replacement and "total silence"

According to the HSE, foam earplugs should stay soft, pliable and clean, be stored properly and be replaced if damaged. The sources checked give no fixed replacement interval, so follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Well-fitted earplugs can reduce sound considerably (WHO), but they reduce it rather than remove it. Too much reduction is not necessarily better: according to the CDC it lowers awareness of your surroundings, and the HSE warns it can cause isolation and safety risks.

When to see a doctor

According to the NHS, see a doctor if fluid comes out of the ear, your hearing changes, there is swelling around the ear, something is stuck in the ear (do not try to remove it yourself), or earache lasts more than 2 to 3 days. A blocked feeling can be a sign of earwax build-up: do not put fingers or cotton buds in your ear, and get it checked if it has not cleared after 5 days.

Key takeaways

• Each earplug type has its own use.
• Protection depends on correct fitting.
• The number on the pack often does not reflect real protection.
• Earplugs reduce sound; they do not remove it.
• Pain, discharge or something stuck in the ear: see a doctor.