The selection and use of earplugs

Noise earplugs are essential tools for protecting your ears from excessive noise, but they also come with some potential risks that users should be aware of. When purchasing and using earplugs over a long period, it's important to consider the following key factors:

One of the first things to check is the rebound effect of the earplugs. If the material is too elastic, it may expand and cause discomfort, such as ear fullness or pain. On the other hand, if the material is too soft or lacks elasticity, it might not fit snugly in the ear canal, reducing its noise-blocking effectiveness. A good earplug should rebound quickly after being compressed, which indicates better quality and comfort.

Softness is another important factor. The material should be gentle on the skin and not cause irritation during prolonged use. Additionally, the surface texture plays a role—some earplugs may feel sticky or leave residue in the ear canal, making them uncomfortable. To test this, you can press two earplugs together and try to pull them apart; the easier and faster they separate, the better their quality.

While earplugs are generally safe, improper use can lead to complications. For example, inserting earplugs too deeply may push earwax further into the ear canal, potentially causing tinnitus, hearing loss, or even infections. People with excessive earwax should be especially cautious and clean their earplugs regularly with mild soap and water. However, foam earplugs are typically disposable, and soaking them in water could damage their structure and reduce their effectiveness.

Another concern is the risk of ear infections. In warm and humid conditions, bacteria can multiply more easily inside the ear canal, increasing the chance of otitis. It’s important to maintain good hygiene when using earplugs and avoid sharing them with others.

Lastly, inserting earplugs too far into the ear can increase pressure on the eardrum, leading to discomfort or pain. To prevent this, make sure to insert the earplugs just enough so they stay in place without pushing too deep. When removing them, do so slowly and gently rather than pulling them out abruptly to avoid damaging the eardrum.

Copyright Notice: The information, comments, and content presented here are either original articles from China Labor Insurance Network or sourced from other online media. These views do not necessarily reflect the opinions of China Labor Protection Network. The copyright of the article belongs to the author, and the site does not assume any legal responsibility for the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the content. If any disputes arise, they are unrelated to this website. If any articles or comments infringe upon your rights, please contact us immediately for resolution.