Ear Plug Superstore - Official Blog: October 2015

Which ear plugs do you need? It can be tricky to figure it all out. While NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) is an excellent place to start, there's a lot more to what makes an effective ear plug beyond how much noise it blocks. There are different ear plug shapes and sizes and materials to consider. Some are made of solid foam, while others have special sound filters inside. Too, some plugs offer very different features: one type may block out water, while another might allow musicians to "turn down the volume" without distorting sound. That's a lot of choices!

So it's not surprising that the ear plugs you like to protect your hearing at work aren't necessarily what you want at the shooting range. In fact, there are an increasing number of ear plugs designed to shine in very specific situations, such as NASCAR, football games, sleeping, or flying on a plane with a child. The deeper you get into the world of ear plugs, the more you will learn about what you need and what is available to meet that need.

All that said, let's talk ear plug basics. With only a few exceptions, the vast majority of ear plugs fit into one of the categories below. Understanding the differences between these basic, different types of ear plugs is a fantastic way to begin your quest for the perfect hearing protector. Just remember: your ears are just as unique as your fingerprints. Don't get discouraged -- you may need to try a few before you find a winner.

Ear Plug Type Comparison: Benefits and Deficits
Type of Ear Plug	Example Image	Immediate Cost	Lifetime Cost	Convenience	Range of Uses	Comments
Disposable Foam		Low	High	Moderate	Noise Protection + Sleep	Proper training and skill required to get properly fitted, should not use with water, generates a lot of trash--not environmentally friendly. Highest possible noise protection. Can be some fit issues for oddly shaped, especially narrow, or especially large ear canals.
Pre-Molded Silicone		Low	Low	High	Noise Protection + Sleep + Water Protection	Easy to use--just plug and play, and long lasting for excellent value. Excellent choices in size, form, color, and shape. Adequate noise protection for all but loudest applications. Can be some fit issues for oddly shaped, especially narrow, or especially large ear canals.
Moldable Silicone or Wax		Low	Moderate	High	Noise Protection + Sleep + Water Protection	Easy to use, never a fit issue because they are molded during use each time. Wax is the most comfortable for sleeping because it softens with body heat so it applies no pressure. Silicone is best for water as it is waterproof and creates the best seal. Ideal for those who cannot tolerate a plug in the canal because moldables just fill the outer ear and do not fill the canal but just cover it.
Pre-Molded Silicone with Acoustic Filters		Moderate to High	Moderate to Low	High	Noise Protection + Situational Awareness + Accurate Listening with Volume Moderation + Water Protection + Sleep	Easy to use--just plug and play, and long lasting for excellent value. Ideal for applications requiring noise protection, but while retaining the ability to clearly hear as in music performances. Adequate noise protection for all but the loudest applications. Can be some fit issues for oddly shaped, especially narrow, or especially large ear canals.
Custom Molded - Do It Yourself		Moderate	Low	Moderate	Noise Protection + Sleep + Water Protection	Can be difficult to use, but easier with practice. Can get excellent fit regardless what the ear size or shape may be. Excellent for all noise and water protection applications, but not a good choice when you need to hear with the plugs in place.
Custom Molded - Professional Lab Made		High	Low	Low	Noise Protection + Situational Awareness + Accurate Listening with Volume Moderation + Water Protection + Sleep	Expensive and can take a month or more to get them made. First impressions of the ear must be taken either by yourself or by a professional, then the impressions must be sent to an earmold lab where the finished product is made. Remakes are frequently required due to poor fit on the first try. Once you get them done, though, they fit better than any other and the range of applications is the widest of any. Whatever you need an ear plug for, a custom plug can be produced. Once you move to custom ear plugs, you will never go back to off the shelf options. They are that much better, and over time, because they last for years, their cost is very low.
Adhesive Foam		Moderate	High	High	Noise Protection + Sleep + Water	The Patented Ear Muffers are unique, and the jury is still out on whether they will become widely accepted because they neither plug the canal nor do they cover the canal; rather, they work by holding the tragus closed securely over the ear canal, in a manner similar to what most people do when putting their fingers in their ears against a loud noise. Rated at NRR 33, they are as effective as disposable foam, the highest of any ear plug. They suffer from being a single use plug and they are far more expensive than other disposable foam ear plugs. There are no fit issues because they work for virtually everyone.