Earplug Size report
When harmful noise cannot be controlled by other means, personal protective equipment shall be provided and used, this may seem like an easy task, but it is not. Sometimes, earplugs can seem like more of a straightforward purchase than they are. You only want to block out unnecessary noise. But have you thought about the size you need?
You can wear earplugs anywhere, such as pharmacies, most supermarkets, convenience stores, or even at celebrations and concerts. Earplugs weigh only a few grams, but they can protect your hearing ability for ten years. Most earplugs can reduce the volume of noise by 20-30 decibels.
It is advised that you practice the same amount of caution when buying earplugs as you do when buying earphones. This article will go through how to measure your ears and which earplug size will make for the perfect fit.
Earplug Types Guide
- Single-use earplugs: Single-use or disposable earplugs are the most common type used today. They are popular because of their low cost, ease of use, and high level of comfort. These disposable options are generally made from brightly colored foam or silicone and plastic and can be purchased in drugstores, hardware stores, and sporting goods stores.
- Multiple-use earplugs: This type can be used repeatedly and cleaned with soap and water.
- PU earplugs: This type was introduced in the 1980s and has taken over a significant share of the world earplug market. PU earplugs are soft, comfortable, easy to roll down for insertion, and available in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and colors. PU foam is also made in different densities, which means you can get a heavier earplug that blocks out the maximum amount of noise or a lower density in a smaller shape that exerts less pressure on the ear canal. These are particularly useful for people who wear earplugs for extended periods or have smaller ear canals.
- Banded Earplugs: They essentially are two foam earplugs held together by a plastic or metal band.
- Custom earplugs: If your work environment, everyday activities, or hobbies expose you to frequent noises, you may want to invest in custom earplugs. Custom earplugs can be more comfortable, since they fit your ear precisely, the pressurized feeling that accompanies over-the-counter options is lessened.
Generally speaking, the standard earplugs are made of soft foam materials. However, earplugs of this material cannot cut all noise frequencies, and a lot of high and mid-frequency noise will be missed. In addition, some types of earplugs are made of soft silicone, which can provide double protection for the ears, both noise-proof and waterproof. However, if you switch to relatively expensive plastic or rubber earplugs, you will reduce the noise level while keeping the sound quality.
Getting The Perfect Earplug Size Guide
Over time, sounds that are louder than about 70 decibels, such as nearby sirens, gas-powered leaf blowers, motorcycle engines, etc., can damage your ears and lead to noise-induced hearing loss. Earplugs help protect your ears and are one of the most valuable ways to prevent hearing loss. Choosing the correct earplug size can effectively protect your hearing without affecting any activities. In the same way, as you wouldn’t pick up a random clothing size in a store, you shouldn’t pick up random earplugs. Ear canals come in different sizes and shapes, affecting both fit and protection levels and comfort.
Earplug Size Chart
Size Option | Measurement |
---|---|
Tiny | 18-19 mm |
XXS | 20-22 mm |
XS | 21-23 mm |
S | 23-25 mm |
M | 24-26 mm |
L | 26-29 mm |
XL | 29-32 mm |
XXL | 32-34 mm |
Check Your Ear Size
Earplugs are a device that is inserted into the ear. The first thing to consider is the size of your ears, and you are going to need earplugs that are air-tight in your ear canal. Women’s ear canals are generally around 20mm smaller than men’s, and sizing tends to be based on men’s ears. For this reason, ladies often suit narrow earplugs best. The average male ears will fit regular-sized earplugs. Refer to the earplug size chart above to get the approximate size.
Check Your Ear Shape
While most ear canals adopt a round shape, some have an oval or slot-type shape which regular earplugs will find harder to stay in. It’s easy enough to ask a partner or a doctor to check the shape of your ear canals. If yours are round, you’re good to go with most earplugs, but if they’re not, try expandable foam earplugs or custom-molded versions.
Try before purchasing
Quite a few brands sell earplugs in different sizes. If you’re not sure which is the best fit, buy several regular earplugs. Tring various sizes will allow you to feel the difference and decide which is the best depending on personal preference.
How to Put Earplugs In
For Foam Earplugs: Slowly roll and compress foam plugs into a very thin crease-free cylinder. While compressed, insert plug well into the ear canal.
For Pre-molded Reusable Earplugs: Reach around the back of your head and pull outward and upward on the ear while inserting the plug until you feel it sealing.
Tips For Using Earplugs
- When listening to loud music, you should always use earplugs. If the earplugs are removed quickly, which will instantly increase the pressure on the ears.
- Follow the instructions in the instructions to use earplugs correctly.
- You should always keep earplugs clean.