August 12th, 2010
If having to watch countless children programmes on TV with your little ones isn’t bad enough, Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka have now come to life and are doing a live performance tour around the country. It has been named the ‘biggest family event to hit the UK this summer’ and I’m going to have to sit through an hour of sing-sing with them.
I will have to be bringing some noise reduction ear plugs, not only to drown out the impossible singing, but also the tens of thousands of screaming toddlers. The level of noise that a group of toddlers can come out with can be incredible, I’m sure it could cause some sort of hearing damage, but if it lowers the noise of Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka amoungst others, my day will be a lot more pleasurable.
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August 6th, 2010
The music played by instruments is normally a pleasant sound we love to hear on a daily basis. Depending on the melody and notes played, music can relax and sooth us, get us ready for a night out on the town and can even comfort us whether being played as background noise or to tune into our inner feelings.
But, with the summer here and kids at home they tend to occupy themselves by annoying you with irritating instruments. Here is a list of the ones we dislike the most. It’s time to reach out for some ear plugs!
At No. 6: The Recorder
There’s nothing more grating than hearing a room of primary school pupils playing a recorder – the sound is tuneless and can have a painful effect on your ears.
At No 4: The Ocarina
While it might sound fine with a skilled player, more often than not, it’s used by novices who are borderline tone-deaf. Now a new generation is buzzing to play the ocarina thanks to Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Parents out there if you a have a Zelda fanatic in the house, it might be time to buy some noise reduction ear plugs!
At No 3. The Harmonica
The harmonica, popular because it is cheap to buy, easy to blow a tuneless …melody? and irritate family and friends in an instant. It is a great instrument if you know how to play it and can play it well, but for those who need some practice, practice in a room far, far away from us.
At No. 2: The Drums
Your child’s first instrument tends to always be a drum set. You haven’t bought them; your next door neighbour hasn’t either. No, it’s your friends and family members who think it’s funny to buy a drum set top send you mad. Kids love it, its loud, but most of it it’s annoying.
At No. 1: The Vuvuzela
Well enough said. Over June and July we have been subjected to the constant noise of swarming bees, but even though the World Cup is over people are still playing these wondrously annoying plastic horns. Please, please, stop!
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August 4th, 2010
From the first person to mass produce the highly annoying (in my opinion) vuvuzela, he is ready to branch out into a new industry, ear plugs. Neil van Schalkwyk must have had some sense knocked into him, having had enough of the sound of the vuvuzela, he now wants to block out the ringing (tinnitus) from his ears.
With the vuvuzela’s reaching an astonishing 140 decibels it is not suprising that people have had growing concerns about the damage it could do to your hearing.
Neil van Schalkwyk spoke to the Telegraph commenting:
“We have adapted the vuvuzela to make it a little quieter but there are still those who don’t like the noise so we wanted to offer them some form of protection.
“The earplugs will block out the noise and will also prevent the wearer suffering hearing damage.”
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August 2nd, 2010
It has been a while since the G20 summit, however I have found it is really interesting to see that ear plugs have even been mentioned on such a political agenda. Many ear plug stores have been wanting to cash in on noisy demonstrations and in some cases rightly so.
Protesters, delegates and residents living nearby have been the main target audience as it only takes a few seconds of exposure to permanently damage your hearing. This is the message that peopel are trying to get across when such demonstrations are in play, but how many are listening?
In a recent report specialised ear plugs have been a main focus to help prevent any hearing damage to people taking part in the demonstration as well as nearby residents. Not only do these noise reduction ear plugs, such as Mack’s Ultra SafeSound soft foam ear plugs prevent damaging noise entering the ear canal it can also help people hear more coherently. This is a win win situation not only will protestors be able to protect their hearing they will also be able to hear what is being said and construct their arguement better.
demonstrations and political debates happen everywhere around the world and happen on a regular basis so if there are any events happenign aorund your area, whether you live by or are takign part ear plugs could be just what the hearing doctor ordered as some protests can become extremely loud.
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July 28th, 2010
With the amount of earplugs to choose form it can be quite off putting which ones are the best, you are bombarded with lots of questions. Are disposable or reusable earplugs better for me? Do I need custom fit earplugs or mouldable or pre-mouldable? Well your questions are answered.
Are disposable or reusable earplugs better for me?
It all depends on your preferences are. If you want to have one pair of earplugs that you have to clean for hygiene reasons then reusable earplugs are the best choice for you. However, if you are a bit clumsy and tend to lose things or you don’t like the fuss of having to constantly clean your earplugs then disposable is the right choice for you. A great time and money saver when it comes to disposable earplugs is to bulk buy them. This way you will be not have to be constantly buying them to protect your ears at all times.
What is the difference between disposable and reusable?
Apart from stating the obvious, but I’m going to anyway; disposable earplugs are designed to be thrown away after a single use and reusable earplugs are designed to be use time and time again, the main difference is the material they are manufactured in. Disposable earplugs are generally manufactured using foam, whereas reusable earplugs are normally made from silicone. Most reusable earplugs use a non-allergenic soft medical grade silicone, with a majority of them being waterproof, suitable for swimming and water sports.
Do I need custom fit earplugs or mouldable or pre-mouldable?
Custom fit earplugs are designed to fit every shape of ear and generate an extraordinary level of protection. There are the more expensive type of earplug, but tend to last longer than traditional earplugs making them cost effective. Mouldable earplugs are designed to mould to the shape of your ear whereas pre-mould earplugs are already moulded to a certain shape and size, which can be ideally suitable for children. These earplugs tend to last around 4 years.
What should I be looking for in earplugs?
What you look for in an earplug depends on what uses you going to get out of it. What do you need the earplugs for? Is it for a gig/concert or for swimming? However the main factor you should look for in earplugs is the NRR (noise reduction rating). Depending on the level of noise you want to block or reduce, depends on the NRR level you need.
Tags: Foam, Foam Earplugs, Reusable
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July 26th, 2010
Ear plugs can really make a difference to your riding experience as it can improve your confidence and performance when on the road. Ear plugs are normally forgotten by most bike riders as they are more concerned with protecting their bodies and head with the use of leathers and a helmet. However, your hearing can be subjected to a lot of damaging noise when riding over 50MPH on a regular basis.
Wind noise when travelling at a high speed can seriously affect your hearing, but with the use of motorcyclist ear plugs you will be getting the protection you need at all times. They are also specifically designed to fit comfortably under a helmet as well as reducing the noise for you to hear more coherently and protecting your hearing. Wearing these motorcyclist ear plugs can make your ride more enjoyable as it can make your journey a lot less stressful.
Not only do you need to protect yourself from wind noise, but also helmet noise. This is when air comes up under the neck of the helmet and makes an incredibly uncomfortable level of noise. Ear plugs when worn correctly can reduce this level of noise and make your riding experience a lot more enjoyable and stress free.
For more information about biking with ear plugs have a look at webbikeworld, there is a great source of information to be found.
Tags: Helmet noise, motorcycle earplugs, Wind noise
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July 24th, 2010
I was reading a newspaper article recently and there was a very interesting topic on hearing problem, hyperacusis. Singer-song writer Chris Singleton suffered from this condition, which put a strain on his career and relationship with his girlfriend. His ears became extremely sensitive to everyday sounds, such as the sound of espresso machines and mobile ringtones.
Chris told the Independent; “It started with the sensation of a ‘fullness’ in my ears, a bit like the experience you might have after swimming,” he says. “Then, within weeks, the most commonplace noises were becoming excruciating.”
“I suffered from it for the best part of a year and it affected every aspect of my life. I had moved to London to be with my girlfriend, Emma, and it put a real strain on our relationship. I was angry and irritable all the time and she would have to tip-toe around me. During arguments, we would have to whisper rather than shout.”
To make sure he could hear without having constant pains in his ears, Chris wore attenuating earplugs to lower the level of sound emitted whilst still being able to hear conversations.
In the studio, when he was mixing his first album at Abbey Road, Chris found himself in an embarrassing situation, having to tell the engineer to turn the volume down. “He looked at me like I had lost my mind”.
After a while and countless appointments with the doctor, Chris Singleton was diagnosed with the rare medical condition of hyperacusis, in which he had to refrain from wearing the earplugs and attend regular appointments at a hearing therapist.
“It’s made me appreciate my hearing, that’s for sure. I’m careful not to wear headphones that much and when I’m playing or at a gig I wear special musician’s earplugs.”
Tags: Ear care, Infection, Music, musicians earplugs
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July 22nd, 2010
It is important for us to retain 7-9 hours of sleep every night to allow our bodies to rejuvenate from our daily activities. However, more people who are having problems with sleep are relying on sleeping longer than usual to make them feel more refreshed, but it is having opposite effects. This is not a good way to maintain a healthy lifestyle, so instead why not turn to simple ways to improve your sleeping. It is better for you to sleep smarter than it is for you to be sleeping longer.
Use earplugs to help block to sound of a snoring partner or the constant noise of ongoing traffic. These sleep and snoring earplugs are designed specifically to be worn in bed and are comfortable to wear. They are designed to mould to the shape of your ear to help block or reduce the noise, depending on the attenuation. Having earplugs mould to the shape of your ear, ensures that they will not fall out during the night, they generate maximum comfort and outstanding performance, leaving you feel rested and ready for the next day’s activities.
If the noise isn’t what is keeping you up at night and it is the nights becoming longer, blocking out the sun couldn’t be made any easier. Use an eye shade next time and be amazed at how much quality sleep you will get. They are comfortable to wear and no matter what position you like to sleep in, you can be sure that the mask will not move to allow any light in. There are also some great packs that include not only an eye mask, but also earplugs. It is the essential kit for a good night’s sleep.
Tags: Sleep, Sleeping, Sleeping Earplugs, sleeping masks
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July 20th, 2010
Clubs always boast a great atmosphere to be a part of where you can enjoy and share the music you love with other people. However, if you tend to go out painting the town red regularly it can seriously damage your hearing as clubs can reach approximately 120dB. Not only is this a matter for people attending the nightclubs, but it is also concerning for those working the nights such as the bouncers, bar staff and DJs.
The solution to the problem is to wear ear plugs, but if you are concerned about the aesthetics of wearing them there are ear plugs that are very small and discreet. By wearing ear plugs, it will help you with your hearing in years to come and what’s more will allow you to enjoy your music for longer without any ringing sensation.
There are many disadvantages of going clubbing; sore throats from trying to communicate over the music, suffering from ringing ears and if the volume is too loud can change the enjoyment of the music. With musician ear plugs not only will you be able to hear conversations and prevent ringing ears you will also be able to enjoy the music as it will intensify and clarify it.
Another ear plug form that could be advantageous is noise reduction ear plugs as they reduce the background noise to a safer level and giving you the benefit of hearing conversations over the music. There are many forms of ear plugs out there for you to choose from and are all suitable for wearing when out hitting the nightclubs; re-usable, mouldable, custom fit and pre-moulded.
Tags: Clubbing, Music, Musician, musicians earplugs
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July 15th, 2010
Hearing maybe one of the few things we take for granted, but imagine your life without being able to hear your favourite song, the gossip the girls are discussing, programmes showed on the television and debates on the radio. Hearing is one of the most important aspects of development from the day that we are born and with the demand for having everything louder we need to protect our sensitive hearing.
Levels of sound should never be over 90 decibels as this can have an effect on your hearing if exposed for too long on a regular basis, so it is advisable to wear protective ear plugs.
This has been the message that H.E.A.R (Hearing Education Association for Rockers) has been sending for over 20 years. The association set up in San Francisco, America is known worldwide for creating awareness of hearing loss to professional musicians and general rockers. Set up by bass player, Kathy Peck of The Contradictions and physician Flash Gordon M.D in 1988, the idea came after Kathy went to an extremely loud gig.
Kathy previously suffered from hearing problems as in 1984, which brought a stop to her career, but pushed her into getting H.E.A.R set up and running. The organisation has come through leaps and bounds and through the support of various respected names such as MTV, Lars Ulrich of Metallica and Pete Townshend of The Who, along with many others it has become a globally recognised name in itself.
For rockers the best protection to have can be sourced from Musician earplugs or Noise reduction earplugs. I have found that these are ideal for taking with you to loud gigs, but earplugs are also great for taking with you to festivals and other musical events.
With constant exposure to extreme sounds your hearing can quickly degenerate, so it is increasingly important to get your ears checked by a doctor once a year and to have the right protection.
Tags: Ear care, organisation
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