Over the past few decades there have been major advances in both hearing protection and in hearing aids. The basic types of hearing protection available are formable plugs, premolded plugs, semi-aural devices and earmuffs. The basic types of hearing aids are the in-the-ear, behind-the-ear, completely in the canal and the eyeglass hearing aid.

Since Deafening Sound deals mainly with the need for hearing protection, we'll focus here on the first category, hearing protectors. However, several of the links listed to the left (under Related Links) lead to further information about hearing aids. Briefly, when seeking hearing protection, you may choose between:

Formable Plugs -- Formable plugs are compressed or shaped prior to insertion. The most popular variety is made of expandable slow-recovery foam. One size fits most everyrone. Once in the ear, foam plugs gently expand to provide a snug and secure custom fit.

Premolded Plugs -- Premolded plugs are made from flexible materials which are preformed to fit the ear. They're generally available with a joining cord to prevent loss. Most premolded plugs are sold in two or more sizes and must be individually sized for each ear.

Semi-aural Devices -- Semi-aurals, also called canal caps, consist of pods or flexible tips on a lightweight headband. Because they are quick to put on and take off and easy to store around the neck, they are ideal for intermittent use. They provide less protection than either plugs or muffs.

Earmuffs -- Earmuffs have rigid cups with soft plastic cushions that seal around the ear to block noise. Foam-filled cushions are usually preferred over liquid-filled versions because they are lighter, more durable, and equally protective. For very loud noises wear muffs and plugs together for an additional 5-10 dB of protection.

The amount of protection offered by the device is known as the Noise Reduction Rating, or NRR. The NRR is a single number rating which is required by law to be shown on the label of each hearing protector sold in the United States. There are, however, two important caveats here: 1) Although NRRs normally range from 20-30 dB, in practice the protection normally achieved ranges only from 10-20 dB; and 2) These ranges can only be achieved with hearing protection if the protector fit properly and are worn correctly.

Using hearing protection does not mean that you won't hear what's going on around you -- it only means that the noises will be significantly reduced in intensity. There are times (e.g., working on a noisy shop floor, when listening to a concert, when playing in a band, etc.), though, when you need to be able to hear at least SOME of what's going on around you. Today's hearing protection allows that.

  Video 18: Keith Wilson talks about his digital hearing aid(s)