Explaining Noise Reduction Rating

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When you hear the term noise reduction rating, are you confused by it? Below we here at Ear Plug Shop have explained it for you, helping you make the right decision when purchasing your ear plugs.

Noise reduction rating (NRR) is a measurement that is used to tell customers the level of protection an ear plug can provide. For instance if you see NRR 30dB (decibels), that means that the ear plug in question can decrease the levels of noise you hear by 30 decibels. The higher the number of attenuation, the higher the level of protection generated from the ear plug.

When visiting Ear Plug Shop you will see that our range of noise ear plugs covers from mild (20dB) to strong noise blockers (32dB).

This is a great way of narrowing down your search for the perfect ear plug. If you are aware the event you’ll be attending will be a loud one, it’s best to go for an ear plug that provides a high level of protection (opting for a high attenuation number).

Here are a few of the noise ear plugs we have to offer you:

Heartech SilentEar – noise reduction rating of 32dB

Mack’s Ear Seals – average attenuation of 27dB

Mack’s Ultra Safe Sound Ear plugs – average attenuation of 32dB

A good night’s sleep before Christmas Day

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During this time of year, children are brimming with excitement because Santa will soon be visiting, giving wonderful gifts that will have them smiling from ear to ear. Christmas Eve can be quite a struggle for parents whose children can’t contain their excitement as Christmas Day can start during the early hours of the morning.

Christmas is a long day, with most of your time being spent entertaining guests and your children, whilst ensuring the turkey doesn’t burn and the vegetables are cooked to perfection. A lot of energy is needed throughout the day.

Bearing all of this in mind, you need to ensure you have a good night’s sleep for the chance to let Christmas Day run smoothly, but how?

At Ear Plug Shop we believe sleep and snoring ear plugs hold the answer. Sleeping ear plugs are great for blocking outside noises and with the addition of a sleeping mask, you’re sure to fall asleep and remain in deep slumber throughout the night.

We recommend you try:

Sleeping Ear Plugs

Macks Ultra SafeSound Earplugs

Macks Pillow Soft Earplugs

Alpine SleepSoft

Other Sleep Aids

Macks Dreamweaver Sleep Mask

Macks Shut Eye Shade Sleep Aid Kit

Macks Dreamgirl Sleep Mask

Noise ear plugs: Construction workers

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Construction workers are going deaf and are experiencing hearing loss due to exposure to loud sounds on construction sites. One of the reasons to this problem is the lack of hearing protection provided to staff. Other reasons include the level and consistency of loud sounds within the site areas, the lack of noise controls on relevant equipment that is used and the lack of health training on the job.

Ear plugs should be worn when sound levels reach 85dB and over. Wearing noise reduction ear plugs with a high NRR (noise reduction rating) will eliminate the risk of hearing loss.

It can be said that noise levels at construction sites can manage to exceed what is measured as a safe sound. Being subjected to loud sounds for a long period of time can attribute to extreme ear pain and hearing damage.

Noise ear plugs are the ideal solution for construction workers and employees who work in a noisy environment as they provide protection and allow you to work with higher concentration levels.

Musician Ear Plugs: Katy Perry on tour

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Katy Perry has recently announced her tour dates, and it is already causing a raucous in my sister’s household. My niece and nephew, (as I have previously said) love going to concerts and Katy Perry is one of their favourite artists.

Katy Perry shot to fame with her hit single “I kissed a girl” and since then has become a worldwide musical phenomenon selling singles and albums that have been awarded a multi-platinum status.

Music concerts are great fun to attend with friends and family; there is a great atmosphere, brilliant music and an amazing night out. However, it can be damaging to your hearing.

Amplified rock concerts can reach approximately 110-130 db, which can damage your hearing after 3.75-30 minutes of exposure per day.

With a pair of musician ear plugs you will be able to block harmful noises, whilst letting the sounds you want to hear in. Musician ear plugs are the ideal solution for music lovers, you can drown the sound of chattering fans behind you and the screams of fanatics whilst enjoying the sound of the music and hearing conversations between your friends.

Ear plugs for exercising

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When we exercise the last thing we ever think about is the damage we could be doing to our ears. We are more concerned with what we are doing to our bodies; getting healthier and fitter. However, when at the gym or swimming pool we could be doing damage to our hearing.

Swimming

When swimming regularly if you do not wear ear plugs you could run the risk of contracting swimmer’s ear. Swimmer’s ear is an outer ear infection, which sees your skin inflame making it painful to touch.

Swimming ear plugs are ideal for those who want to spend a lot of time in the water without running the risk of infection. They are also brilliant for those who want to concentrate on their swimming technique.

Gym

If you are a gym fanatic the noise emitted by large machinery and the music played in the room can cause serious discomfort in your ears. Research has shown that gym-goers are more likely to turn up the volume on their personal music devices while working out to drown out the noisy environment, which can cause further damage.

Noise ear plugs are the ideal solution for gym goers to drown out surrounding noises without damaging your hearing. They are also superb to use when wanting to maximise your concentration levels, giving you the chance to focus on your ambitions.

Caring for your ear plugs

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It is extremely important to care for your ear plugs as much as it is important to care for your ears. Cleaning your ear plugs should be done as often as possible, ideally after every use. It is easy to do; all you need to do is follow these simple tips:

  • Fill a bowl with warm water and use a soap, (dish soap can be used) and soak the ear plugs for a few minutes.
  • With your fingers or if preferred a tooth brush remove all dirt and ear wax from the plugs.
  • Once all matter is removed, rinse the ear plugs with cold water and leave to air dry to discourage any bacteria.
  • To keep your ear plugs from any unwanted bacteria or fungi store your ear plugs in a case.
  • If you want to disinfect the ear plugs, spray them with alcohol and leave to air dry.
  • Do not wash silicone putty or soft wax ear plugs.
  • Multiple use ear plugs can last approximately 2-4 weeks, depending on care.

Caring for your ear plugs ensure hygiene, which will help minimise the chances of infection and can maximise the lifespan of the ear plugs. It is also essential to keep your ears clean as well, there is no point putting clean ear plugs in dirty ears. This can be easily done using Ear Plug Shop’s Ear Care Ear Plug Accessories.

Need ear plugs for Burlesque film

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I am a big fan of Christina Aguilera, I think out of all modern day ‘singers’ she is the only one with a voice that makes you stop and actually listen. However, this is not what I have heard about her new film Burlesque. From all the video clips I have seen on the internet and the trailers I have seen on the TV I wouldn’t mind seeing it, it looks like a good bit of fun.

However, the reviews haven’t been so kind, with most advising to bring some ear plugs along when you see it. I can imagine that you may need some music ear plugs as Christina has such a powerful voice and there are sure to be some very high notes. I’m still quite tempted to watch it, with ear plugs just in case.

This is what the review said:

“Burlesque was up-beat and fun but it also felt like they crammed every feather boa, beaded dress and high-pitched note that they could into it. The bright colours were present to an annoying intensity that it was almost nauseating. I really feel like they tried with this movie and it was a really good idea they just needed to tone it down a tad.

Christina Aguilera has a beautiful voice, however a couple of her numbers were extremely high-pitched and in a large theatre with a good sound system it tends to be a bit overwhelming and annoying (as in painful to the ear…possibly damaging!) The combination of Cher and Christina Aguilera is a match that I was hoping would be great but instead it was a little dissatisfying. They just didn’t seem to work that well together. I do not believe that this film is for everyone, I think that some people will really enjoy this film but most will find it obnoxious.”

Noise Ear Plugs: New Year Fireworks

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Welcome 2011! I have a feeling this year will be an amazing year! I had a fantastic time celebrating the New Year with my family. We all went down to London to see all the fireworks and what a spectacular view we had, but weren’t they loud?

I’m glad I came prepared for the event. Just before the fireworks started to appear off the London Eye and grabbed the ear plugs and dished them out to everyone. We could all still hear the bangs the fireworks, but at a reduced level so the experience was the same, just not as damaging.

The children loved being in London; it was a great change of scenery and being part of a large group of people was very exciting for them. There were people dressed up in extraordinary costumes, which really got us in the mood for a family filled New Year party.

I’m so glad we all went to see the fireworks and had our noise ear plugs to help protect our hearing. I saw quite a few people touching their ears after the fireworks finished; must of had a ringing sensation!

Ear plugs for New Year Fireworks

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New Year’s Eve is just around the corner and we will be welcoming 2011 in not time. When we celebrate a new year coming in, we open our doors as a sign of welcoming new changes and countdown to midnight, finishing off with a firework display.

We turn on the TV to watch Big Ben strike 12 and see fireworks fill the London skyline. If you will be attending a firework display to see 2011 in, you may need to pack your trusty ear plugs. It can be a noisy affair and what could be worse than having tinnitus at the beginning of a brand new year?

If you are exposed to noises that exceed 110dB for longer than 1 minute at a time, you could run the risk of permanent hearing loss. Why not try some noise reduction ear plugs? You can be sure that your hearing is protected from the dangerous sounds, yet you will be able to hear conversations between you and your family and friends.

Whatever you are planning for New Years, have a great night.

Fire Alarms: Ear plugs are essential

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Christmas in my household comprises mainly of presents and family, but most importantly food.  So I have been busy in the kitchen preparing mince pies, savoury snacks and other little goodies the family can enjoy.

Unfortunately, it didn’t go as well as hoped. The fire alarm kept going off. Guess that means another lot of mince pies have been burnt, (we have recently got a new oven and I’m still not used to it). I had the children coming into the kitchen screaming with their hands over their ears to find out what all the commotion was about.

I’m glad I am getting in all the practice I need, let’s face it, burnt Turkey doesn’t sound too appetising. However, I am most thankful for the stash of ear plugs in the house, so the children’s hearing won’t be affected by the sound of the fire alarm.

I can just hear my husband now ‘children time to put your ear plugs in, mum’s cooking again’.

On a more positive note, ten days until Christmas!