10/16/2011

Flanged earplugs for concerts and how to use them

By Ned Howland


Any time you are seeking to shield your ears, you'll find 3 major types of earplugs you can use. The most common type of earplugs, the type you will in most cases find construction workers using, are foam earplugs. Built from memory foam, these usually are squeezed down prior to insertion into your ear canal, where they'll widen, filling the canal. Silicone earplugs are moldable. People roll this type of earplug into a ball and mold it over the exterior part of your ear canal. One more type is flanged. Flanged earplugs look like miniature Christmas trees with the flanges showing as the "tree" portion of the earplug. The flanged portion of the plug is inserted into your ear canal, where it will make a strong seal. Musicians' earplugs and custom molded earplugs tend to be flanged.

1) Inserting

To start with, ensure that your flanged earplugs are the proper size because, as opposed to foam and silicone earplugs, flanged earplugs can't be squeezed down, or molded in any way before insertion. To prevent catching any kind of ear infection, it is advisable to still clean your hands prior to handling your plugs. To help you insert the plug, pull your ear up and out with your opposite hand, that will straighten your ear canal. Using your other hand, holding the stem, push and wiggle the plug into the ear canal until you get a good seal. You'll recognize there is a good seal if your voice echoes in your head and you feel slight pressure in your ear.

2) Removing

To remove, with the same side hand as your ear, grasp the stem of the plug and lightly wiggle and twist the earplug out of your canal. You can harm your canal if you aren't careful removing the plug.

3) Cleaning

After you remove your earplugs, you should clean them with warm, soapy water. Dry them out, and then store them in a clean location. If your flanged earplugs come with a case, you should store them within their case.

Since flanged earplugs may be washed safely free of chance of them breaking down, the exact same pair of earplugs can be used for years. For anyone who is a musician or someone who is around loud noises frequently, an additional backup pair of earplugs might be an important preventative measure against loss of your earplugs.




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