Ear plugs are the least expensive, most accessible, and most appropriate hearing protection for everyday wear. There are three different kinds of ear plugs: Universal, Pre-molded, and Custom Molded.

Universal   Universal, one-size-fits-all ear plugs are typically made of foam or sponge. With clean hands, roll and compress each plug between your thumb and forefinger before inserting the ear plug firmly, and as far as possible, into the ear canal. Allow the ear plug to expand fully inside the ear canal for a few seconds so that it can assume the shape of the ear canal itself. After use, don't dispose of them, as they are reusable. Washing the ear plugs in mild soap and water will allow you to continue using them until they lose their sponginess or begin to harden. Universal ear plugs are available at most pharmacies at a cost of approximately $1.00.

Pre-molded   Pre-molded ear plugs are made of rubber or plastic and are less flexible than the universal type. They come in sizes of extra-small, small, medium, large and extra-large. Most pre-molded ear plugs sold today are still designed for the average man, so if you're a woman select the next smaller size (small instead of medium, and so on). It is preferable to have an audiologist or hearing instrument dispenser assess the size of your ear canal, but if that isn't possible you can experiment on your own. Generally, 2/3 of the ear plug should be inside the ear canal from the juncture of the outer ear, with approximately 1/3 exposed. If you discover that more of the ear plug is lost in the ear canal, then it's too small for your ear - if too much is exposed the ear plug is too large.

To achieve the best fit and protection, insert the ear plug after pulling the outer ear outwards and upwards, using the left hand for the right ear and the right hand for the left. Like Universal ear plugs, pre-molded ear plugs are also reusable, can be maintained in the same manner, are available at most pharmacies, and cost approximately $2.00-$5.00.

Custom Molded   Custom molded ear plugs typically require the assistance of an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser. After a silicone impression is made for each ear, your custom molded ear plugs will cost approximately $75.00-100.00. While this type of ear plugs may appear to be more sophisticated, they are not always the most practical or easiest to use. Custom molded ear plugs require practice and experimentation for the user to wear them comfortably. They tend to be larger in size to fit the canal as well as the outer ear, and may crack or shrink with age.

Musicians Ear Plugs   Musicians ear plugs are a custom product individually made for each user. They can be purchased only from licensed hearing professionals (audiologists and hearing instrument specialists). Designed to replicate the natural response of the open ear, sounds will have the same quality as the original sound, only quieter. Speech and music remain equally clear, allowing the wearer to hear the blend clearly, feel the bass, and distinguish each tone. Accurate sound reduction is achieved by combining a patented filter with the specific acoustics of a custom ear mold. The combination of the two produces a resonance at approximately 2700 Hz (as in the normal ear) resulting in a smooth, flat attenuation. Three types of attenuator buttons are available: ER-9, ER-15, and ER-25. The number corresponds with the amount of sound reduction provided in decibles.

The cost for a pair of Musicians ear plugs usually ranges from $150 to $200.

Read more about hearing loss:
- About Hearing Loss
- Types of Hearing Loss
- Myths about Hearing Loss
- Hearing Loss Resources

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- Free Online Hearing Test
- Signs of Hearing Loss Self Quiz