There are many different devices that are designed to help protect your ears. Below are examples and descriptions of a few of these.

Ear Plugs

Ear Plugs come in both custom and generic styles.  For custom ear plugs, an audiologist must take an impression of your ear so that the plugs can be built especially for you.  Non-custom styles are typically 'one size fits most,' and can be purchased over-the-counter at drug stores, online or at your audiologist's office.

It is important to discuss your listening needs with your audiologist when determining which hearing protection will best meet your needs. The size, shape and materials with which hearing protective devices are made with will impact their effectiveness. Full shell solid custom earmolds, for example, provide an average of 36dB attenuation (reduction in volume).

Swim Plugs

Swim plugs were designed to protect the ear canal and middle ear system from water entry. They are appropriate for patients with chronic swimmers ear, perforated ear drums or modified middle ear systems. A swim plug can be utilized by anyone wishing to maintain a relatively dry ear canal while bathing, surface swimming or showering. A swim plug is not recommended for patients who are interested in scuba diving or breath-hold diving below 6 feet. 

Musician's Ear Plugs

High fidelity earplugs have been developed specifically for musicians and production personnel, as well as concert-goers who want to protect their hearing but preserve the quality of the music. Musician's plugs also come in both custom and non-custom styles. Various models and options can provide between 10-25 dB of sound protection; they provide a balanced sound reduction across the frequency spectrum, so that sounds are attenuated in a uniform manner, maintaining sound naturalness.