Everything you need to know about active earplugs

Top best models

Hush Plugs is a great hypoallergenic device. Specially designed digital speakers make it easy to attach to the outside. Reliable protection against any noise above 25 dB is guaranteed. In addition to playing preset melodies, you can also use the alarm mode.

Bose Sleepbuds are similar in appearance to standard headphones. External sounds are blocked at the highest possible level. Just like in the previous model, playing melodies or using an alarm clock is implemented. There are three different sizes; battery life is guaranteed up to 6 hours in a row. A number of particularly soothing sounds are provided.

Etymotic MusicPro Earplugs are also a good choice. But it's worth noting that the noise cancellation option doesn't work very well. Only the absence of cables helps to distinguish the product from ordinary headphones. The flakiness of a number of parts can also cause problems.

Kill Noise also deserves attention. In appearance, they are more similar to the stepped earplugs used by musicians. Using the slider, you can specify which sounds to skip. It is possible to configure to skip voices, phone calls. You can use two devices at the same time, or only one (to better control what is happening around).

Review of earplugs from Bose Sleepbuds in the video.

Materials (edit)

Since earplugs protect the hearing organs and come into direct contact with them, they must be made of high quality and safe materials. Let's look at what such a product is made of.

Silicone

These are hypoallergenic, comfortable, reusable earbuds that protect your ears from loud sound. In the production process, two types of silicone are used - thermoplastic and sheet.

Experienced users claim that silicone earbuds are only effective for low frequency sound.

Foam

Elastic, soft earplugs, very comfortable to use. They completely fill the ear opening, prevent the penetration of sounds, in most cases - low-frequency ones. Reusable, easy to care for, just rinse thoroughly under water and treat with a special disinfectant.

Wax

They are characterized by an average level of sound insulation. They are considered the safest. They are disposable and quickly get dirty.

Due to the fact that wax is a rather elastic material, the earplugs easily conform to the shape of the ear, thereby increasing the level of noise absorption.

Polypropylene

They are distinguished by excellent blocking of even very loud sounds. Bulky and tough.

One of the main disadvantages is that with such an accessory in your ears you feel as if in a vacuum.

With acoustic filter

Their main function is smoothing and noise absorption. The product is equipped with a reusable filter, thanks to which it can be used even during construction. Effective, high quality, but quite expensive.

PVC

These earbuds are great for use during work, but not for sleeping. Reusable, excellent at absorbing loud and harsh sound.

HEAD for swimming

Ergonomic silicone ear protectors. They do not cause any discomfort when using them. These earplugs are created using a special technology that makes such accessories a convenient element for athletes and swimmers performing all kinds of tricks, as the protective equipment ideally conforms to the shape of any auricle and does not allow water to pass through. Average price: from 80 rubles.

HEAD for swimming

Advantages:

• soundproofing;
• waterproofness;
• ergonomics.

Disadvantages:

in case of violation of the rules of hygiene for the use of reusable earplugs, it is possible to enter infections in the ears.

Types of earplugs

Earplugs are distinguished by the way they are used (disposable and reusable) and by the material used to make them. Each type of earbud has its own advantages and disadvantages. Having chosen the necessary option, it is easy to create favorable conditions for sleep, rest, and sometimes work.

According to the principle of use, manufacturers offer disposable and reusable liners. Which one is better for sleeping.

Disposable

They are made of wax coated with a protective cotton layer. They are ideal for one-time use when the need for a full-fledged recreation arises periodically. Sometimes there are foam inserts with similar characteristics.

Reusable

For regular use, it is better to use reusable earplugs, remembering to properly care for them and change them in a timely manner. Careful adherence to the instructions that are usually attached to the product will keep them hygienically clean and protect the health of the user. Reusable liners are made with special filters that reduce:

• the noise level is not completely (used when it is necessary to hear the alarm);
• the degree of pressure (in airplanes or when submerged under water).

Top sleep earplugs manufacturers

1. Ohropax. This company has been giving the opportunity to fall asleep in silence for over 100 years. She makes earplugs from cotton wool, wax and special oils.
2. Moldex. The American manufacturer produces earplugs in various shapes and colors. All models are made from harmless materials.
3. Calmor. A Swiss company that produces very high quality earplugs. Their models will protect sleep from any sound stimuli.
4. Arena. This brand makes earplugs for swimmers. But most of the models can also be used for sound sleep.
5. Zeldis-Pharma LLC. A domestic manufacturer that produces excellent earplugs under the Travel Dream brand.

Views

Electronic earplugs are usually used to help you sleep well. They are used both at home and in hotels, on long trips. Some devices are made with an alarm clock, which allows you to additionally insure against delays and save money. Along with this, some models can apply:

• divers - reduce the harmful effects of pressure drops, and at the same time eliminate the ingress of water into the ear canal;
• swimmers - also block the ingress of water without reducing audibility;
• motorcyclists, scooter, moped and ATV drivers - for better hearing protection;
• musicians - during professional and amateur performances, rehearsals;
• aircraft passengers - to prevent the ears feeling, which is common at high altitudes;
• ordinary people - most often they choose universal earplugs.

Many devices in the budget category have a foam rubber design. This technique copes well with its tasks. However, she is unable to last long. Rubber models have to be inserted deeply into the ear canals, which causes discomfort and sometimes causes health problems. Hard grades of silicone are practical, while elastic grades are more comfortable, but relatively short-lived.

Long-lasting silicone sheet is characterized by increased mechanical rigidity. It's easy to clean. The advantage of silicone constructions is their convenience and absolute indifference to the influences that the environment usually has. Silicone does not change its properties under the influence of sweat, earwax and gases contained in the atmosphere. Irritation of the skin, which is so common when using other low-quality materials, is also excluded.

The wax constructions are comfortable and anatomical. Their structure allows nothing to be pushed into the ear canal. Such models can be used many times.Yet quality will steadily deteriorate over time.

What are they and what are they for?

The term "smart" earplugs itself hints at the fact that modern innovative technologies were used in their creation. The cost of such products is quite high. Their developers assure that it will be possible not only to be isolated from extraneous sounds, but also to create an individual comfortable environment. Declared ability to extinguish:

• snore;
• sounds in neighboring apartments and houses;
• noises of passing vehicles;
• noises when moving a train or plane;
• loud music.

The principle of operation turns out to be the use of active noise cancellation. The microphone picks up sounds from outside. The processor processes these noises and recognizes their features. Thanks to a special algorithm, "anti-noise" are selected as efficiently and quickly as possible. A special speaker is responsible for their issuance.

But the system copes well with monotonous sounds, especially rhythmic ones. According to expert studies, modern samples are confidently working with sounds of various frequencies and loudness.

Species overview

Shooting models with acoustic noise reduction usually have 3-5 programs. These modes allow you to remove only high-frequency sounds, while maintaining the possibility of communication, or you can select the option with full sound absorption. The adjustment is carried out from the remote control or using the buttons. The earbuds differ in the level of noise reduction. High protection models can block sound waves of 82 dB or more. For shooting, it is worth choosing the option with the maximum degree of protection.

Some electronic devices have a speech extraction system that allows you to emphasize the sounds of voices and increase their volume for comfortable communication. Also, built-in microphones can pick up soft sounds, which is important for hunters tracking an animal or bird. There are noise canceling models that you can sync with your phone and use as a headset. Some have an audible indication of the battery charge. Tactical earplugs have a certain degree of moisture protection, so they can be used even in heavy rain, they are not afraid of contact with water. However, diving with these devices is not worth it.