A compact pair of devices to protect your ears from loud sounds and water is called earplugs. They are considered little helpers for big people. But many, especially before the first use, ask themselves the question: “How to insert earplugs correctly?”. This article discusses the features of the use of devices, tells for what purposes they are used, and whether there are contraindications.
Earplugs and their varieties
To deal with the question of how to insert earplugs, you should familiarize yourself with what kind of device it is, and what varieties there are. The word earplugs literally means "take care of your ears." Accordingly, they are used to protect the auricle from loud sound or moisture.
They are used for a wide variety of purposes and may differ in the material of manufacture. Each device, regardless of type, comes with instructions forapplication.
Earplugs can be divided into three main groups:
- By use. These can be disposable or reusable ear tips.
- The shape. A distinction is made between plastic earbuds, which are elastic and take the shape of the ear, and earplugs, which have a permanent shape.
- According to the scope. Distinguish devices for protection against noise and from moisture.
Each group or variety has its own nuances regarding how to properly insert earplugs.
You can also find another classification of ear plugs, which are divided into: ordinary devices (to protect against everyday noise or night plugs), musical (used by musicians to work in the studio), pain relief (for air travel, so that there is no drop altitude), for swimming and diving (minimize pressure drops).
Disposable earplugs: how to use?
Disposable earplugs are made from wax, petroleum jelly and other synthetic ingredients. Their peculiarity is that each device can be divided into parts.
How to properly insert earplugs (disposable)?
- Remove the piece of cotton cloth wrapped around the wax ball.
- If the earbud falls out of your ears (earplugs are big), you should first remove the excess wax (the fingers should be clean).
- Wax balls are preheated in the palms of the hands before being placed in the ears.
It is worth removing such disposable tabs with clean hands and doing everythingas carefully as possible so as not to damage the sensitive auricle.
Reusable earplugs: features of use
Reusable ear inserts are made from silicone, polyurethane or foam. These inlays are great for protecting the internal components of the ear from moisture and loud noises.
How to properly insert polyurethane and silicone earplugs? Polyurethane tabs must first be rolled into a tight narrow cylinder and only then placed in the ear canal. A small amount of material should remain outside to allow the earplugs to be pulled out of the ears. After some time, they will straighten out and take the form of an auricle. There are polyurethane earplugs for adults and children.
Silicone is simply inserted into the ears. They do not expand and are made according to the average size of the auricle of an adult. Often they are not the right size, and their use only brings discomfort.
How to insert swimming earplugs correctly?
Water-sports earplugs are versatile designs because they protect your ears not only from liquids but also from sounds. Among them there are aquaplugs or hydroplugs. They are made individually, based on the design features of the auricle of a particular person. They are simply inserted into the ears but require special care as inlays are reusable.
Swimming earplugs are most often chosen for diving. Therefore, many of them for water sports are designed to level the pressure of water on the eardrum. Before putting on diving tabs, you should make sure that there are no inflammatory processes in the auricle. Any discomfort when putting on earplugs should alert.
It is also important to make sure that the pinna is covered with a plastic wing. Otherwise, the high pressure at depth may cause water to enter your ears.
Active Noise Canceling Sleep Earplugs
The ear pads for sleep are shaped like an arrow. The upper or outer part is made of silicone, and an acoustic filter is placed in the inner zone.
How to insert earplugs for sleep? They are applied like normal ear tabs. But before use, it is worth inspecting the structure and making sure that there are no deformations or cracks on it. If the device is damaged, restful and peaceful sleep may be disturbed.
There are earplugs for sleep with active noise cancellation. Their main difference is that instead of an acoustic filter, an electric microphone is inserted into the inside. They are put on just like any other earplugs that keep their shape. But they cannot be used to protect against water. They deteriorate on contact with moisture.
Who should not wear earplugs?
It is important not only to know how to properly insert earplugs into your ears, but also to familiarize yourself with contraindications. Before useit is worth making sure that the material of their manufacture will not cause allergies. About 10% of people are allergic to silicone, rubber and latex. For such persons, it is preferable to use foamed polyurethane earplugs.
Insert earplugs into the ears, regardless of the scope and variety, only when there is no inflammatory process in the auricle. During otitis, sinusitis or stuffy nose, it is worthwhile to stop using devices for a while.
