The drug channel is a great market for the
earplug category in that it can offer a wide variety of styles.
Rutlin says simply relying on SNR to determine the attenuation level from an
earplug may mean that many workers do not have the protection levels they require: "With this in mind, Honeywell has developed an intelligent hearing protection system called QUIETPRO, which allows individual users and safety managers to control individual sound exposure levels.
Using the REAT procedure for assessing
earplugs intended to be used for music is clearly inappropriate and does, unfortunately, promote the belief that such products are protecting the hearing of students and music educators.
As a result, it is imperative that musicians becoming aware and proactive in promoting changes to the
earplug industry and to the audiology community regarding their needs--while taking the necessary precautions by limiting their exposure to loud conditions.
And underwhelming isn't a bad thing - for these
earplugs do nothing wrong, it's just that they aren't very exciting aka there's nothing to gossip about.
Indeed,
earplugs are a common sight on factory floors, with staff exposed to noise expected to wear them at all times.
One is developing a way to improve how ear-canal shape is captured to make custom
earplugs.
KE2004-20 Series performance benefits in the
earplug manufacturing process are said to include reducing the number of scrap parts during demolding, while maintaining the same soft feel; cycle time required was reduced by 60%; less plating-out of silicone required less frequent cleaning; no change in processing parameters for easy transition to new material; higher productivity/higher yield and a 100% increase in productivity; and new market opportunities due to greater manufacturing efficiency, according to the manufacturer.
But surveys have found that young people are reluctant to wear
earplugs because they are deemed to be "too medical", aesthetically unappealing and socially unacceptable.
Praise workers who always wear their HPDs," says Bessette, "and encourage workers to take extra
earplugs home.
Everyone's ears are different," she said, "and one
earplug or earmuff style may not be comfortable for the entire workforce.
Classic foam
earplug and the Tasco #2900 Sound Shield circumaural earmuffs.
