How Do I Know If I Need Ear Protection?

The only way to know for certain if you need ear protection from noise is to wear a dosimeter. This is a device which measures both the intensity and duration of noise exposure.

A simpler method is to use a chart like the one displayed below. This chart gives you the safe time limit of exposure for different noise levels.

If you experience any of the following while in noise or after being in noise, then you likely have been exposed to hazardous noise levels.

• You have to shout to be heard.
• It’s hard to hear someone at arm’s length from you.
• You have pain, ringing, buzzing or other sounds in your ears.
• Normal speech sounds muffled or dull.

Conventional Foam Earplugs

Foam earplugs have been around since the 1970s. Some problems with them include:

• They fit many ears but can be uncomfortable when worn for long periods of time
• They take time to roll down before they can be inserted
• They can be difficult to remove if placed too deep
• They are ineffective if placed too shallow
• They cannot be cleaned if they get dirty.

Custom Earplugs

Musician Plugs

Concert/Club earplugs reduce loudness but not sound fidelity or quality. They can be configured by you to reduce loudness but still let you hear speech (perfect for bartenders), or you can snap in the solid filter for complete sound reduction.

Acoustic Attenuators

Concert/Club earplugs come with two sets of snap-in filters. Comes in 9, 15, 25 or 30 db attenuation models.

Motorcycle Plugs

Special purpose motorcycle plugs can be worn comfortably under a helmet.

Shooters Plugs

Lets you hear soft sounds but gunshot is reduced to safe sound levels.

Noise Plugs - Full

Standard noise plugs offer maximum noise reduction. Economy choice for those who work or play in noise and don't need to hear speech.

Noise Plugs - Half

Smaller version of standard noise plugs are less conspicuous.

‍

Swim Plugs

Keeps water out while swimming. Also keeps sound out.

Surf Plugs

Keeps water out like swim plugs but they let sound in.

Sleep Plugs

Extremely comfortable plugs reduce night time noise (including snoring) but let you still hear the alarm clock.