With so much noise around us, it seems as though times of quiet are a luxury. While it can be hard to escape the noise at times, there are simple ways to give your ears a break to protect them from the sounds around you. Whether you’re studying, getting a good night’s sleep, attending a concert or sporting event, or traveling, earplugs can help reduce unwanted noise when you need them most.
Earplugs aren’t just for certain demographics of people or specific noisy environments. They can benefit nearly everyone in at least some aspects of everyday life. But before we get into when to use earplugs, let’s dive into why they’re a handy wellness tool to have at your disposal.
Why Ear Protection Matters
Every day, our ears filter plenty of noise. The potential impact that noise has on us long-term depends on how loud the sound is and how long you’re exposed to it. Sounds at or above 85 decibels (dB) can be harmful, depending on how long you’re exposed. The louder the sound, the quicker it can cause damage.
Loud noises can cause noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) by damaging the structure of the inner ear. NIHL can affect one or both ears, and can be either temporary or permanent. One simple guide to keep in mind is that if you need to raise your voice to be heard by someone within reaching distance, the noise around you may be louder than what’s safe.
The most obvious way to protect your hearing is to limit your exposure, for example turning down the volume or moving farther away from the source of the noise. However, removing yourself from a noisy environment isn’t always practical. That’s where hearing protection can come in handy.
When to Use Earplugs
So, when should you reach for a pair of earplugs? Knowing when to use earplugs can help you identify everyday situations where a little extra hearing protection may be beneficial. The answer goes well beyond the traditionally noisy environments you might expect—but those are important, too. Here are some common situations where earplugs can be a useful addition to your routine.
1. When you’re trying to sleep. One of the important factors in setting up a good sleep space is creating a quiet environment. Unfortunately, the rest of the world doesn’t automatically quiet down just because it’s your bedtime. Traffic, neighbors, your partner’s snoring, or other nighttime noises can make it difficult to achieve a peaceful sleep environment.
2. During travel. While travel often means time away to relax, it doesn’t always mean time away in the quiet—especially on your way to your destination. Airplane engines, crowded buses and trains, and unfamiliar hotel surroundings can introduce a whole lot of outside noise.
3. At a concert or sporting event. These events are known to be loud. Have you ever been at a sporting event where they display the decibel levels in the stadium on the big screen? Crowd reactions to typical big plays can surpass 100 dB, while some sporting events have recorded crowd noise over 130 dB. When it comes to concerts, live music is known to be played loud, and it can be particularly damaging to your ears if you’re situated near speakers.
4. Doing yardwork. Regular weekend projects are great for keeping your home in good shape, but they ‘re not necessarily good for your ears. Lawn mowers, power tools, and other large equipment can produce significant noise. Common power tools can approach 100 dB, with particularly loud ones far exceeding that. If you regularly spend time around this type of equipment, hearing protection can be an important part of your routine.
5. In noisy workplaces. In a similar vein, some workplaces can be especially noisy—including those that use those power tools or loud machinery. For workers who regularly work in high-noise environments, appropriate hearing protection can help reduce exposure and protect hearing over time.
6. During loud recreational activities. Noise exposure doesn’t stop when the travel or workday ends. Motorcycles, shooting sports, ATVs, and other recreational activities can create potentially hazardous noise levels. Adding earplugs to your gear for these types of activities can help you enjoy them while being more mindful of your hearing.
Which Earplugs Are Right for You
With so many situations where earplugs can come in handy, it’s important to remember that they aren’t a one-size-fits-all-occasions type of product. The type of earplugs you’ll need depends on when, where, and how long you’ll use them, as well as the size of your ear.
Foam earplugs are a good, general choice for everyday noise reduction. They’re soft, lightweight, and designed to expand inside the ear canal when properly inserted. Pressure-reducing earplugs are designed for airplane travel and can help reduce ear pain and discomfort that’s caused by rapid air pressure changes, like during takeoff and landing. Contoured earplugs are shaped to follow the natural curves of the ear and are designed for extended wear. Corded earplugs are convenient for times when you’ll be taking your earplugs in and out frequently, since the cord keeps the pair together.
Knowing when to use earplugs is the first step, but choosing the right type for the situation is just as important. Ultimately, choosing the right earplugs starts with thinking about what you plan to use them for. Once you’ve found the right option, proper fit and use are just as important. Follow the product’s insertion guidelines to ensure a secure fit. Keep reusable earplugs clean and replace disposable ones as recommended.
Whether you’re trying to sleep through a partner’s snoring, enjoy a sporting event without the noise becoming overwhelming, or complete an afternoon of yardwork through the noise of your lawnmower, there are plenty of reasons to keep earplugs within reach. With earplugs, the goal isn’t to eliminate every sound, it’s to be more intentional about the noises you’re exposing your ears to. From everyday activities to special occasions, knowing when to use earplugs can be a simple, easy step toward taking better care of your hearing.
