Hearing Protection
What are the benefits of using custom-fit earplugs?
There are many benefits to using a custom earplug over a generic fit product. Since custom earplugs are made from impressions of the user's ears, they fit perfectly and the comfort level is unparalleled. These earplugs are user friendly, making for fast and easy insertion. If the earplug isn't properly seated in the ear, the user will know immediately because it won't feel right. In fact, because they exactly match the user's ears, it is nearly impossible to wear custom earplugs incorrectly. Custom earplugs can even be colored in such a way that a supervisor in industrial situations can tell at a glance if employees are wearing them. Custom earplugs are also more sanitary since dirty fingers can position them into the ears without touching the canal portion of the earplug. The earplugs can even be washed or sterilized. Training employees to insert, care for, and test custom earplugs for accuracy is minimal. They are also quite cost effective, with the average life of an earplug in soft material twenty-two months and even longer in acrylic material. Custom earplugs are compatible with 99% of ear sizes and shapes.
Is there a difference between earplugs for hunters and earplugs for shooters?
Hearing protection earplugs have become very specialized based on the application. For target shooting, we recommend maximum protection through solid earplugs (Westone Style No. 40), perhaps even coupled with earmuffs. For hunting, because you need to be able to hear movement in the brush and the location of your companions, you will probably prefer a filtered earplug that only shuts down as noise reaches a certain level such as the discharge of a firearm (Westone Style No. 39).
Specific earmolds and earplugs styles can be viewed here.
How do I know if my hearing is in danger?
Although we don't think about it too much, our body actually sends us lots of signals to let us know when we're in danger. We feel the heat as we get burned; we feel the ache in muscles that are being overworked; we can't keep our eyes open when we're in need of rest. Our hearing is no different. If you've ever been to a concert or the races or out target shooting and had ringing in your ears afterward, that's your body's way of letting you know your hearing is at risk. If you still have ringing the next day, you could be in big trouble. If you continue putting yourself in loud noise situations without adequate hearing protection, it is no longer a question of whether you'll suffer permanent hearing loss, but how soon.
I'm a chair-side dental assistant. Will I still be able to communicate with the dentist during the procedure if I'm wearing hearing protection?
Certainly! For dental applications, we recommend the Westone Style No. 49 earplugs with 15 dB filters. This lowers the overall noise level that reaches your ears (by roughly 15 dB) but still allows normal conversation. If you lose your filters or they become damaged, additional 15 dB filters can be purchased from our online store.
