Hi declan,
No matter what kind of ear protection you purchase, it is important to
check the NRR (noise reduction rating) - the higher the rating the
better. Also, an important consideration is comfort - if it's not
comfortable, you're not going to be keen about wearing it. Also, make
sure the device fits properly - no matter what kind of material they
are made of, if there are any "leaks" their effectiveness will be
greatly reduced.
That said, the favored device today are custom fitted ear plugs and
they sound as though they may be just the ticket for you. They are not
only comfortable, durable, and reusable, but they are very effective
in reducing noise levels. However, you'll have to visit an audiologist
to have a pair made for you.
ATLANTIC COAST EAR SPECIALIST: Hearing Protectors:
"Hearing protectors either are plugs of various shapes and sizes that
are inserted into the ear canals or muffs that are placed over the
ears. In either case, their job is to reduce the intensity of sound
that reaches the ear so as to protect the ear from potentially
damaging noise... Hearing protectors are graded by their noise
reduction rating (NRR). The larger the number, the greater the amount
of protection that is provided.
FOAM HEARING PROTECTORS: A cylinder of sound-attenuating foam. The
foam is compressed and inserted in the ear canal, where the foam
expands to fill the canal.
*Advantages: Readily available, inexpensive, disposable, adequately
comfortable, lightweight.
*Disadvantages: Requires regular replacement, can become
uncomfortable with prolonged wear.
RIBBED HEARING PROTECTORS: Made of rubber in a "one size fits all"
shape. They are inserted in the ear canal as deeply as possible.
*Advantages: Generally available, durable, lightweight, washable.
*Disadvantages: Slip easily, uncomfortable, may not provide tight
fit.
MUFF HEARING PROTECTORS: Resemble stereo head sets that completely
cover the ears.
*Advantages: Good noise reduction, hard to lose, more durable with
infrequent replacement.
*Disadvantages: Heavy and cumbersome, more expensive, hot,
uncomfortable.
CUSTOM MOLDED PROTECTORS: Made of silicone and are molded to exactly
fit the individual's ear.
*Advantages: Good noise rating, durable, very comfortable for long
periods of time.
*Disadvantages: Requires initial impression of ear, more expensive,
possible replacement."
http://www.earaces.com/hearprot.htm
CANADIAN CENTRE FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY: Hearing
Protectors:
"What types of hearing protectors are available?
Ear plugs are inserted to block the ear canal. They may be premolded
(preformed) or moldable (such as glass down, foam plastic, waxed
cotton or silicone). Ear plugs are sold as disposable products or
reusable plugs. Custom molded ear plugs are also available.
Semi-insert ear plugs which consist of two ear plugs held over the
ends of the ear canal by a rigid headband.
Ear muffs consist of sound-attenuating material and soft ear cushions
that fit around the ear and hard outer cups. They are held together by
a head band.
Helmets can be used to support ear muffs and cover the head to reduce
bone-conducted sound. With proper design and fitting of the seal
between the helmet edge and the skin, a helmet can provide 5-10 dB(A)
additional noise reduction over and above the noise reduction provided
with ear muffs without the helmet.
How do I pick my hearing protectors?
The choice of hearing protectors is a very personal one and depends on
a number of factors including level of noise, comfort, and the
suitability of the hearing protector for both the worker and his
environment. Most importantly, the hearing protector should provide
the desired noise reduction. It is best, where protectors must be
used, to provide a choice of a number of different types to chose
from.
If the noise exposure is intermittent, ear muffs are more desirable,
since it may be inconvenient to remove and reinsert earplugs."
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/ear_prot.html
NIOSH: Hearing Protectors: Independent Studies tables.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/98-126f.html
PDF documents you can download:
*Hearing Protectors - Selection and Use of - Nov 2001 pdf [size: 89k
]
*Hearing Protectors - Classified - Nov 2001 pdf [size: 35k ]
*Hearing Protectors - Graded - Nov 2001 pdf [size: 88k ]
http://www.osh.dol.govt.nz/order/catalogue/733.shtml
Pictures of the Process of Making Custom Hearing Protectors:
http://www.safety-wear.com/page/picturesofcustomhearingprotectors.html
I hope this helps and that I've given you sufficient information to
make an informed decision. Sorry, you'll have to call your audiologist
to find out the cost, but it should fall within your price range. If
you have any questions, please post a clarification request before
rating my answer.
Thank you,
hummer
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