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 ear plugs correctly?”. This article discusses the features of the use of devices, describes for what purposes they are used, and whether there are contraindications.
Earplugs and their varieties
To understand the question of how to insert ear plugs, it is worthwhile to familiarize yourself with what kind of device this is and what types there are. The word earplugs literally means "take care of your ears." Accordingly, they are used to protect the auricle from a loud sound or moisture.
They are used for a wide variety of purposes and may differ in the material of manufacture. For each device, regardless of type, there is an instruction for use.
Earplugs can be divided into three main groups:
- According to the method of use. It can be disposable or reusable earmolds.
- In shape. There are plastic earbuds that are elastic and take the shape of an auricle, and earplugs that have a constant shape.
- By scope of application. Distinguish between devices for protection against noise and moisture.
Each group or variety has its own nuances regarding how to insert ear plugs correctly.
You can also meet another classification of earbuds, which are divided into: conventional devices (for protection from everyday noise or nighttime earbuds), musical (used by musicians to work in the studio), analgesic (for air travel, so that there is no difference in height), for swimming and diving (minimize pressure drops).
Disposable earplugs: how to use?
Disposable ear tips are made of wax, petroleum jelly and other synthetic components. Their feature is that each device can be divided into parts.
How to insert ear plugs (disposable)?
- Remove a piece of cotton cloth wrapped in a wax ball.
- If the earpiece drops out of your ears (ear plugs are large), you should first remove excess wax (fingers should be clean).
- Wax beads are preheated in the palms before being placed in the ears.
Removing such disposable tabs is done with clean hands and doing everything as carefully as possible so as not to damage the sensitive auricle.
Reusable earplugs: features of use
Refillable earplugs are made of silicone, polyurethane or foam. These tabs perfectly help protect the internal components of the ear from moisture and loud sounds.
How to insert polyurethane and silicone ear plugs? 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 on the outside to allow earplugs to be pulled out of ears. After some time, they will straighten out and take the shape of the auricle. There are polyurethane earplugs for adults and children.
Silicone just plugs into your ears. They do not expand and are made according to the average size of the auricle of an adult. Often they are not suitable in size, and their use brings only discomfort.
How to insert ear plugs for swimming?
Earplugs for water sports are universal designs, because they protect the ears not only from liquid, but also from sounds. Among them there are aquapags or hydroplags. They are made individually, based on the structural features of the auricle of a particular person. They are simply inserted into the ears, but there should be special care for them, since the tabs are designed for reusable use.
Earplugs for swimming are most often chosen for diving under water. Therefore, many of them for water sports are designed to level the pressure of the water on the eardrum. Before putting on the diving tabs, you should make sure that there are no inflammatory processes in the auricle. Any discomfort when putting on an ear plug should alert.
It is also important to make sure that the auricle is covered by a plastic wing. Otherwise, under high pressure at depth, water can get into your ears.
Active Noise Canceling Earplugs for Sleeping
Ear tabs for sleeping are shaped like arrows. The upper or outer part is made of silicone, and an acoustic filter is placed in the inner zone.
How to insert earplugs for sleeping? They are used as regular tabs for the ears. 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, then a calm and quiet sleep may be disturbed.
Active noise canceling ear plugs exist. Their main difference is that instead of an acoustic filter, an electric microphone is inserted into the inside. They are worn in the same way as any other ear plugs that hold their uniform. But they can not be used to protect against water. They deteriorate on contact with moisture.
Who is not recommended to wear earplugs?
It is important not only to know how to properly insert ear plugs in your ears, but also to familiarize yourself with contraindications. Before use, make sure that the material of their manufacture does not cause allergies. About 10% of people are allergic to silicone, rubber and latex. It is preferable for such persons to use earplugs from the made foam polyurethane.
Inserting earplugs into the ears, regardless of scope and variety, is possible only when there is no inflammatory process in the auricle. During otitis media, sinusitis or stuffy nose, you should temporarily abandon the use of devices.