Earplugs are useful to muffle ambient noise or to regulate the air pressure on the plane. There are more types of earplugs than you think.
What types of earplugs are there?
There are several ways to protect your ears, the most common of which is universal (not custom-made) earplugs. Universal earplugs come in all shapes and sizes and when choosing them it is good to take a number of aspects into account. For example:in which environment do you want to use them, what kind of protection do you need and what do you think is important in terms of fit and comfort? Some earplugs contain special filters, which ensure that a certain type of sound - such as traffic noise or music - is muffled, but you still hear enough ambient noise and you do not have a 'closed' feeling. You throw away some universal earplugs after using them once, but many types can also be used more often.
Read also: How do you know that you have suffered hearing damage?
Alpine Swim Safe
Price:€12.95 via Bol.com
Special swimming earplugs, which prevent water from entering the ear. Also suitable for showering. AlpineThermoShape thermoplastic material, hypoallergenic, contains no silicone and does not cause allergic reactions.
Pros: The earbuds mold to your ear, keeping them in place.
Cons: If you have a relatively large ear canal, these earplugs may be too small.
Particulars: It comes with a handy storage box that you can attach to your wrist or to the zipper of your wetsuit while swimming.
Proplugs Vented
Price:€19.95, more information via the website
These are earplugs that offer protection against water, dust, dirt, noise and air pressure differences. Especially recommended to divers. They are made of kraton thermoplastic material.
Pros: Do not go deeply into the auditory tube, but seal the auricle. This makes them very suitable if you quickly suffer from irritation in the ear canal.
Particulars: When purchasing Proplugs for the first time, the use of a passet (€7) is necessary to determine the size.
Pluggerz Uni-Fit Sleep
Price:€9.95, via Pluggerz
This variant of Pluggerz is made to be able to sleep well in a noisy environment. Made of durable and flexible anti-allergic silicone material that lasts.
Plus points: The filters stop annoying noises without completely sealing your ear. As a result, your partner will not hear your snoring, but your alarm clock will.
Particulars: The earplugs are so soft that they are not a nuisance if you sleep on your side.
Ohropax Classic
Price:€2.65 or €12.95 for 12 sets via Bol.com
Ohropax are malleable wax balls that protect the ears against loud noise. The wax consists of various types of Vaseline and paraffin wax, protected in cotton wadding.
Pros :Because the earplugs seal the ear canal, they are also suitable for swimming. They are very easy to use and if you have small ear canals, you can easily make the bulb smaller.
Cons: The spheres are quite greasy and leave a waxy layer in your ear. Not harmful, but annoying. Put them in your ear when you go to sleep, otherwise the wax will stick to your hair the next morning.
Particulars: These earplugs have been around for a hundred years and the formula has remained virtually unchanged since then.
Thunderplugs
Price:from €9.95, including via Bol.com
Thunderplugs has earplugs for concerts and parties, but also suitable for other purposes. There is also a variant especially for motorcyclists.
Pros: Thanks to the special sound filter, you can still hear the music well, but a few decibels softer. Caps come with a handy key ring, in which you can store them.
Cons: The material is quite hard, which is not good for everyone.
Particulars: These earplugs have been tested as the best by consumer program Kassa.
Otalgan Earplanes adult
Price:€9.10, via Bol.com
Tired of your ears on the plane? These pressure-regulating earplugs make it a little less annoying.
Pros: Reduce ear pain when rising and falling. Apply half an hour before ascending or descending.
Particulars: Also available in a variant especially for children.
Custom made earplugs
Via the hearing specialist
Custom-made earplugs are made especially for you by the hearing specialist.
Pros: The earplugs are made especially for you, so they are comfortable and you don't lose them.
Cons: Custom earplugs are not cheap, they can easily cost over a hundred euros.
Would you rather sleep with soothing sounds in the background? Then these Bose earplugs might be for you.
