Ear Protection

Ear plugs are essential for ear protection. They serve to block out noises that may disrupt sleep, such as snoring or street noises, as well as protection from noisy environments like rock concerts, airports, construction sites, or shooting ranges. Ear plugs come in a variety of designs and materials that fit comfortably into the ear canal for noise reduction. Staples carries a wide selection of ear protection equipment in different designs, colors, materials, and sizes in the safety supplies section.

Different types and fits
There are many designs of ear protection available. One common example is disposable ear plugs, which come in foam materials, moldable designs, or flanged shapes. Foam plugs use memory foam as the manufacturing material. A user inserts the plug into the ear by twisting the plug like a wrung towel and holding it in place until it expands fully. Due to their moldable nature, they comfortably fit into any ear canal size. Flanged plugs come in silicone and plastic material, which is easier to clean. They're easy to wear and, once positioned correctly, fit comfortably in the ear. Moldable ear plugs offer ear protection using pure silicone putty, which is resistant to melting and is waterproof. This design serves swimmers best by keeping water out of their ears. 

Designs and noise cancellation
Different users require different levels of ear protection. For example, some earplugs offer complete sound blockage. Foam plugs serve to block out all noise and help when users are concentrating on studies or trying to achieve quality sleep. Tapered plugs allow users to insert and remove the plugs easily when necessary. Flanged plugs may come with a filter that allows for adjustment of the noise cancellation level. Some filters allow for a human voice to pass through for practical reasons but keep high-pitched noises out.

Consider bulk convenience
Hearing protection for workers is crucial in loud work environments like construction sites. Different hearing protection aids come in sets, singular units, or in bulk. Disposable earplugs come in a variety of packages. Bulk purchases of disposable earplugs are more hygienic because they allow single use. They come in individual pieces in protective packets. Washable ear plugs are reusable, but they require regular cleaning to avoid bacteria and ear infections.

Which hearing protection device works best?
Hearing protection devices protect the sensitive part of the ear by physically blocking sound waves from reaching the eardrum. Ear protection devices rated between 29 to 33 decibels offer effective noise reduction that helps protect the inner ear from damage from prolonged exposure to loud noise levels.

Do they come in different colors?
Ear plugs come in a variety of colors. Bright colors come with the advantage of being easily visible to identify workers wearing ear protection for increased safety and security measures.

Are there any special features?
Earplugs come in vented and unvented styles. Vented designs offer more comfort and effective noise reduction by helping equalize the pressure in the ear. Activities, such as scuba diving and flying, benefit from vented designs.