About hearing protection
- { Which types of hearing protectors are there? }
- { Why choose custom-made hearing protection? }
- { What is the difference between a 'hard' and a 'soft' hearing protector? }
- { When are ears 'fully grown'? }
- { I find it difficult to insert the hearing protectors. What can I do to make this easier? }
- { I'm experiencing pain. What now? }
- { Is it true that the best filter is always the strongest one? }
- { Can I claim the cost of hearing protectors on my health insurance? }
Which types of hearing protectors are there?
Hearing protectors can be divided into two groups: ear muffs and ear plugs. Ear muffs Ear muffs surround the auricle and are sealed against the head with soft padding. A flexible headband (over the head) connects the muffs and ensures that they fit correctly. Advantages of ear muffs Quick and easy to use, immediately available, fit everyone, cause no discomfort if one has auditory canal problems and provide good attenuation of high frequencies. Disadvantages of ear muffs Unpleasant weight and pressure on the head, very uncomfortable in high temperatures, loss of “hearing direction” (localisation of the source of sound). Earplugs Earplugs are worn in the auditory canal or seal it to exclude the noise. Ear plugs can be divided into three groups: disposable, pre-formed and “custom-made”. Disposable ear plugs These are made of memory foam that first has to be rolled into a compressed cylinder before being inserted into the auditory canal. Once inserted, the foam expands to its normal dimensions, sealing the auditory canal. They are intended for single use. It is essential that they are inserted correctly and deeply enough to ensure sufficient attenuation. Pre-formed ear plugs These are inserted directly into the auditory canal, or seal the entrance to it. They can be used several times and can be cleaned. Here too, it is essential that they are placed correctly and deeply enough to ensure sufficient attenuation. Advantages (disposable and pre-formed) Immediately available and fit most users, no uncomfortable weight or pressure on the head, no discomfort in warm surroundings, no distortion of directional hearing. Disadvantages (disposable and pre-formed) The degree of protection is very dependent on correct insertion – practice is needed. Because they gradually work loose, it is necessary and important to keep putting them back in to ensure sufficient protection. Discomfort due to pressure in the auditory canal, limited range of attenuation levels. Custom-made ear plugs These are individually custom-made to fit the user’s external auditory canal. The auditory canal is sealed by the plug and the acoustic filter determines the required attenuation. Advantages (compared to disposable and pre-formed) Maximum wearing comfort – especially for long-term usage, easy to use, secure and stable seal that ensures a high level of protection certainty. A broad range of filters offers the opportunity of attaining the best possible attenuation level, retention of perception of signals and sounds, and, what is more, continuous ventilation of the auditory canal. Disadvantages Not immediately available (delivery time), relatively high investment in initial purchase, but will pay in the long run.
Why choose custom-made hearing protection?
Custom-made hearing protectors have many advantages. In the first place, they are comfortable to wear. After a while you won't even notice you're wearing them. At the same time they provide maximum protection. Our broad range of sound filters makes it easy to choose the right protection. Custom-made hearing protection enables you to continue communicating with others as normal and there is no need to worry about feeling pressure in your ears. In short: a custom-made hearing protector is the ideal solution for all noisy situations.
What is the difference between a 'hard' and a 'soft' hearing protector?
Soft hearing protectors, made from silicone material have only been on the market for a few years. They are comfortable to wear in the ear and adjust to the movements of the auditory canal, as the wearer talks for example. This hearing protector therefore seals the ear better than a hard one. Hard hearing protectors are made of acrylic. These are the oldest and most well-known form of custom-made hearing protectors and are very easy to place in the auditory canal. In many cases, a hard hearing protector is the best solution for people with a very narrow auditory canal.
When are ears 'fully grown'?
The shape of our auditory canal changes throughout our lives. That is why we can only give our hearing protectors a life span of four years. But the biggest change occurs in children, so if you are still growing, the life span may be shorter than four years.
I find it difficult to insert the hearing protectors. What can I do to make this easier?
When a hearing protector is new, it can be more difficult to insert into the auditory canal because it lacks flexibility.
In that case, we advise applying a little Otoferm ear cream to the part that is to be worn in the auditory canal.
I'm experiencing pain. What now?
If your ears are painful, it's best to go and see your hearing specialist.
He or she will send the hearing protectors back to us, generally accompanied by a new mould of your auditory canal.
Our production department will look at the moulds and decide whether or not an adjustment is needed. In some cases, we will supply a new hearing protector.
Is it true that the best filter is always the strongest one?
That is a misconception. Too much attenuation is just as irritating as too little. It cuts you off from the outside world and increases the risk of dangerous situations occurring: in traffic, for example.
Can I claim the cost of hearing protectors on my health insurance?
No.
Because hearing protection is seen as a preventative measure, no insurance covers them.
