Hearing Protection and Its Correct Use

Protective ear devices create a barrier between the source of noise and the ear. If the correct method of use and hygiene points are not observed in using them, not only do they fail to protect people's auditory system, but they can also inflict irreparable harm on this important part.

∴ Types of protective ear devices

Protective ear devices are divided into several categories:

• Earplug or in-ear device (Ear Plug)

This device is designed and made to be placed in the external ear canal. This type of ear protection is usually inexpensive and has a short and limited durability, and there are disposable types as well as types that can be used for several months.

Some of the types of these devices are:

• Formable protectors

These types of plugs are disposable and are thrown away after each use. These plugs can be shaped to fit any canal.

• Custom-molded protectors

These types of plugs are moldable protectors that are made to fit each individual's ear canal and used accordingly.

• Pre-molded aural insert protectors

The material of these plugs is mostly soft silicone, rubber, or various plastics. These plugs are designed to fit various types of ear canals in terms of shape and size.

• Earmuff or over-the-ear device (Ear Muff)

This device, which is considered the most common protective item in the industrial workplace, consists of two shells with a hemispherical form or similar irregular shapes, which are held against the ear by a metal band. At the point of contact of the aforementioned shells with the head, a soft and flexible layer is placed that seals around the auricle.

These types of devices have main components, which are:

The cup, which consists of rigid, hemispherical-form or other-shaped shells. The cushion has a rubber and flexible layer that is placed around the auricle. The headband holds the two cups fixed on both sides of the ear.

• How to use the over-the-ear device (earmuff)

Pull the device's plates out from within the holding plates and make sure the cushions are properly fixed on the ear. Pull the metal stirrups out along the holding band to the maximum extent, then slide the stirrups inward until the holding band rests gently on the head. The presence of a thick layer of hair or other items under the cushion reduces its hearing-protection effect.

Fix the device's caps in place such that the arrow or "Top" marking is at the upper side of the ear for better fixing, and place the headband precisely on the head. Use your device correctly and, after use, place it in cool, dry air away from direct sunlight; and when the device is not in use, it should be washed with soapy water and lukewarm water, and solvents and cleaning agents must under no circumstances be used.

∴ How to use the in-ear device (earplug)

• First, secure the device's cord in place. Place the device inside the ear.

• With one hand, pull the auricle upward and outward, and with the other hand gently insert the device into the ear canal with a rotating motion.

• To remove the device, hold the auricle in the same way as before and, with a rotating motion, remove the device. Because quickly inserting and removing the device can cause damage to the eardrum (tympanic membrane), it is necessary to observe the rotating motion when inserting and removing the device.

• The devices should be cleaned regularly, and lukewarm water and soap liquid should be used for cleaning. The devices should be washed every day at the end of work (daily). In very noisy environments, for greater protection of the auditory system, it is better to use the in-ear device and the over-the-ear device in combination (simultaneously).