These range from yellow plugs inserted into the ear to customized otoplastics. Each type of hearing protection has specific qualities.
Foam Earplugs
Visitors to factories or construction sites are often given such ear protection. They are cheap. The disadvantage of these is that they can irritate the ear. When these are inserted into the ear with dirty fingers, there is a risk of external ear infections. For single use only
Wax balls
These completely seal off the hearing so you get the sensation of being closed off from the outside world. They are cheap, but slightly more expensive than (yellow) foam earplugs. For single use only
Silicon Plugs
These resemble the (yellow) foam pluggs but are made from a less irritating material. You only cover the auditory canal with these earplugs, you may not insert them into your ear. There is also the chance that they fall off the ear. For single use only
Universal earplugs
Now the most popular earplugs. These completely seal off the auditory canal, but the layer system prevents a sense of being shut off from the outside world.
The filter system enables users to determine the muffling themselves. Alpine Hearing Protection is the inventor of this system. The various types of universal filter earplugs can be seen here.
Otoplastics
Customised hearing protection. Motorcyclists and musicians often use customised otoplastics. This type of hearing protection fits perfectly and can last for years.
Earmuffs
Available in various models. They can also be clicked onto a safety helmet, for example. There are also special earmuffs for children who wish to learn in a focused manner, for instance. The earmuffs cover the ear completely. Depending on the material used, the earmuffs can irritate around the ears, particularly in warm weather.
Difference between hearing protection, earmuffs, and headphones
Earmuffs are, quite simply, muffs that cover your ears. But there are many variations and differences in earmuffs, such as ear muffs for the construction industry or headphones for listening to music. This is why this blog will be also devoted to the differences between hearing protection, earmuffs and headphones.
Ever heard of earmuffs? No? That is not surprising, because it does sound a little strange. The term earmuff actually leaves nothing to the imagination, because it simply describes muffs that cover your ears. The term of earmuffs still being frequently sought, but often in conjunction with the words: children, kids or babies. Otherwise, it will result in those fluffy earmuffs for in the winter, which is obviously not what you are looking for. Earmuffs are also perfect for children and babies to protect them against noise. Alpine has developed special earmuffs for children, called the Alpine Muffy.
- Hearing protection
The first thing you will think of are the earmuffs, the hearing protection, used in the construction industry. Those are the big things that most construction workers wear on their helmet or are even automatically attached to it. This form of hearing protection is also very popular in the shooting sport.
- Headphones
Earmuffs look a lot like headphones. A lovely big headphone, but in most cases, it also plays music. Previously, it always included a wire to plug into your music player, but today there are numerous wireless headphones for sale. This is of course ideal. Colorful varieties, such as the beautiful jewels of Beats by Dr. Dre, are the real eye-catchers where you want to be seen with.
The differences
Earmuffs are really good hearing protection to protect against potential hearing damage. Basically, earmuffs are the same as hearing protection; only the term hearing protections is used in construction and shooting sports to refer to earmuffs. Earmuffs look like headphones, which is why you will often search for headphones while you mean earmuffs. Some earmuffs are equipped with an AM/FM radio, which kills two birds with one stone.
