Hearing Protection Devices | HPD's | Ear Protection Devices

Generally, hearing protection devices are of four types namely Formable Plugs, Premolded Plugs, Semi-aural Devices and Ear Muffs. Quality plays an important role while selecting hearing protection device so it’s good to buy it from a genuine supplier.
dBA rating of hearing protection products is an essential feature one should check before buying. As sound is measured logarithmically, so that when comparing two products like 30dBA and 33dBA, the 33dBA product is not only ten percent better than the 30dBA product, but also twice as effective. Most earplugs are about 25 dBA and good ear muffs start at about 28dBA and go up to 34dBA.Good quality hearing protection devices allow you to hear conversation around you, but cut out the harmful levels of sound.

Fitting Hearing Protection

For hearing protection devices to be effective, they must fit in the ear canal correctly and completely i.e. formable plugs must expand to fill the canal cavity so that no loose space is there. To correctly insert earplugs, slowly roll and compress the plug into a thin cylinder. While the plug is compressed, insert it well into the ear canal and hold it there while it begins to expand.
For easier fitting you need to pull the ear outward and upward during insertion. Some earplugs can be washed in warm soapy water and reused, however it is not recommended to re-use plugs that are cracked, hard or deformed. If the plug bends, creases or deforms during insertion, remove it, reform it and then re-insert it.
To check whether an earplug is inserted correctly or not you must cup your hands over your ears while listening to a steady noise. If the plug is inserted correctly, the noise levels should be almost the same whether or not you are covering your ears.
Earmuffs must fully enclose the ears and seal against the head. Adjust the headband so that the cushions exert an even pressure around the ears making sure that hair is pulled back from under the cushions.

Custom Ear Plugs

Custom ear plugs are made by taking impressions of the ears. These impressions are very much like a 3D model of the ear. Impressions are sent to the lab, where a professional team scans the ear impressions and uses them to create a set of custom ear plugs in virtually any colour (or combination of colours) depending upon the requirements. Custom earplugs are made from durable, professional, top-quality materials. After completion these ear plugs are then mailed back to the customer to use and enjoy for a long time.

Formable Ear Plugs

Formable earplug is a hearing-protection device that is inserted in the ear canal to protect ears from loud noises, intrusion of water, foreign bodies, dust or excessive wind. Since they reduce loud sounds, earplugs are often used to help prevent hearing loss in noisy environment.

Premolded Ear Plugs

Pre-moulded earplugs are moulded to fit into the ear canal unlike foam earplugs which requires rolling down the plug before insertion. In order to be effective, pre-moulded plugs must be sized to fit completely into the ears.
Pre-moulded plugs are typically made from either silicone rubber or PVC foam. Silicone plugs last longer as compared to PVC foam and are less prone to shrinkage, cracking, and hardening over time. Pre-moulded plugs have a hygienic benefit over foam plugs as they be washed and reused multiple times.

Semi Aural Devices

Semi-aural devices better known as canal caps. It consist of pods or flexible tips on a lightweight head band. As they are easy to use because they are quick to put on and take off, they are ideal for intermittent use..

Ear Muffs

Ear muffs completely cut-off sound from entering the ear canal. They are a convenient and comfortable option for people who frequently move in and out of noisy areas during the workday.