Keeping Out the Noise, Letting In the Sound
The purpose of this post is to provide an overview of different types of earplugs, prime use cases, and some peculiarities you need to know when using them. Common uses of earplugs include: Hearing protection at work and at the range Hearing protection at concerts and other entertainment venues while maintaining sound fidelity Noise reduction …
Read more7 Different Types of Earplugs and What They Are Used For
Years ago, I had my first experience with prolonged insomnia when new neighbors moved into the upstairs apartment and started living at around midnight every single night. I would go to bed at perhaps 11 pm and soon thereafter the couple upstairs would come home and start walking back and forth—on top of my bedroom. …
Read moreHow to Block Loud Footstep Noise from an Upstairs Apartment?
Your neighbor’s dog barks at random times during the night. You’ve again gotten jolted out of your slumber by a barking concerto in the early morning hours and can’t fall back asleep. Lying there you wonder, “How the heck do I block this barking noise?” One pup starts barking for good reason, but shortly thereafter …
Have you ever experienced a low-frequency humming noise in your house that kept you awake? On a recent trip to Vietnam, I had one of these weird sounds in a hotel room. I checked into the hotel and almost immediately noticed a humming noise in my room. Being the low-frequency noise “hater” I am, I …
Read moreWhat’s That Humming Noise in My Hotel Room? Can I Get Rid of It?
Learning how to put in earplugs isn’t rocket science, or is it? Sadly, in multiple studies, fitted earplugs did not even provide half the noise reduction that was printed on the package. The striking difference between the noise reduction rating (NRR) obtained in the lab and real-world noise reduction prompted the National Institute for Occupational …
Read moreHow to Put in Foam Earplugs and Test Their Fit for Optimal Noise Reduction
I have worn earplugs for a few years’ worth of nights and while there was nothing major, I have had to deal with a few side effects. The most prominent one was ear pain—mainly when I had gotten earplugs that weren’t a good fit for my ears or when I hadn’t inserted them properly. But …
Read moreAre Earplugs Good for You? Side Effects of Using Earplugs and How to Overcome Them
This post is about what amount of noise blocking you can expect from the best earplugs and earmuffs, and what you can do to push the boundaries. Are you trying to sleep while the folks next door are having a party or concentrate while your coworkers are raving about their weekend? Feeling tortured by the …
Read moreAre There Any Earplugs or Earmuffs That Block All Sound?
Earmuffs and earplugs both have a place in my hearing protector arsenal because they offer unique benefits. With good earmuffs you generally get good, reliable noise reduction. You put on the muffs, adjust the headband, and can expect decent noise blocking. On the other hand, earplugs are more troublesome to fit properly, but can provide …
Read moreEarplugs vs Earmuffs: Which Type of Protector Is Better?
No two ears are the same. For example, I find it much easier to insert earplugs into my left ear than my right ear. Somehow my right ear canal is slightly twisted. I consider myself an experienced earplug user; I have used them for years and I know how to roll them up and insert …
Read moreUsing a Lubricant to Insert Earplugs: The Secret Sauce to Getting the Perfect Seal
When buying earplugs, earmuffs, and some noise-isolating earbuds, you will notice a label Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) together with a number. For example, 3M’s Peltor X5A earmuffs have an NRR of 31, while Howard Leight’s Max Lite earplugs have a comparable NRR of 30. What is the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)? The NRR is a …
Read moreWhat Is the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) and How to Use It?
