An earplug or shooting earplug
is a device that is meant to
be inserted in the wearer’s
ear canal to protect the
wearer from hearing loud
noises, from gun noises to
your snoring roommate.
Earplugs can be either
disposable or non-disposable,
with foam and silicone ones
generally being disposable or
for use a relatively limited
amount of times, while solid
ones generally are regarded as
non-disposable. Ear plugs are
worn by industrial and
construction workers who work
within the hearing distance of
loud machinery, and are used
by militaries around the world
during training and
simulations. Since earplugs
reduce the sound volume,
earplugs are often used to
help prevent hearing loss and
tinnitus. Musicians who
perform music styles for their
loud nature, especially heavy
metal music, often wear
earplugs to prevent their own
performances from damaging
their hearing. Put in ear
flights before your next trip,
which helps reduce the air
pressure changes generated by
rapid altitude changes during
takeoff and landing. Wearing
earplugs anytime you’re
exposed to noise above a level
that allows normal
conversation can help prevent
long term loss of hearing.
Situations where you should
consider hearing protection
include operating a lawn mower
or other lawn and garden power
equipment, attending a loud
concert, and any occupational
exposure that involves loud
machinery.
