Snoring can therefore be particularly disabling on a daily basis for a large number of people. The purpose of hearing protection is to reduce the sound level that the ear perceives. It will be indicated to fight against the risk of deafness or for comfort (to fight against snoring for example).
Hearing protection can come in the form of a plug or a shell headband.
These protectors most of the time have a passive mechanism. It blocks sound before it reaches the ear canal. Some other hearing protectors have an active operation, allowing a part to be weakened unwanted sound.
However, hearing protectors against snoring have some undesirable effects. Prolonged use of earplugs can cause cerumen plugs in the outer ear.
Hearing protection against snoring: For whom? For what purpose?
Hearing protection in general is intended for a wide audience since each person has a hearing capital. Hearing protectors make it possible to protect this capital throughout its life. The use of hearing protection therefore reduces noise pollution exceeding 60 dB. The situations are therefore varied: DIY, playing music or motorcycling can justify hearing protection.
It is important to understand the sound environment to know to whom and why to use hearing protection. In a classic sound environment (a fairly loud conversation between several people), we will encounter about 60 dB. hearing protection such as ear plugs will easily reduce the sound by 30 to 40 dB. Nevertheless, beyond 120 dB, hearing protection will only fight against a few decibels. Another more effective hearing protection will then be justified. A totally asleep person will be awakened by noises reaching 55 decibels.
In France, 15 millions people are bothered by snoring during the night. Some snoring ( 10 %) which may exceed 95 DB will even be considered as major snoring. The sound of snoring results from the vibration of the respiratory soft tissues.
It is important to note that the ear never stops hearing, the ear is not like the eyes, it has no eyelid to pause. The sounds heard are constantly transmitted to the brain, which processes them. If the are heard are known and considered habitual, they do not necessarily cause awakening. However, they inevitably cause physiological reactions that can ultimately affect the quality of sleep.
The different types of hearing protection against snoring.
There are different sound environments and therefore different hearing protection. We will concentrate in this part on hearing protection against snoring, but will mention another form of hearing protection.
The shell headband also called “noise attenuating helmet”, is mainly used on construction sites. As its name suggests, this helmet consists of two shells that fully protect both ears. This headset can attenuate the raw from 21 to 37 dB. This imposing helmet will not be recommended to you in the situation of discomfort caused by snoring.
The so-called “standard to shape” caps are made of a compressible material so that the user can give them the appropriate shape. Once inserted into the ear, it expands and blocks the ear canal. It is generally disposable and allows a weakening 21 dB to 37 dB of SNR. It should be noted that this is the most affordable hearing protection: approximately 7.5 euro for 20.
The so-called “standard perforated” caps are made of rubber or silicone. This type of hearing protection comes in different sizes and is inserted directly into the ear. Unlike shaping caps, it can be reused several times. These plugs allow a reduction of 15 dB to 35 dB of SNR . Its price is more substantial, count between 12 and 20 euro the pair.
The custom cap will be made from your ear shape. It can be soft (silicone) or hard (acrylate). The level of attenuation will depend on each user. This type of hearing protection is reusable. Count a good hundred euros for this protection.
Hearing protection against snoring: effectiveness and side effects.
The first question to ask here is:Is it harmful to sleep daily with earplugs?
No, earplugs are created to isolate noise pollution, so you won't be misusing them by using them every night. Nevertheless, it is important to follow a few instructions.
The first instruction is obviously hygiene. If you use corks to shape do not reuse them several times, they are not made for that. If you use custom or standard perforated caps, be sure to clean them after each use. This rule will allow you to avoid any infection.
The second instruction is to above all follow the instructions for use. Inserting the plug incorrectly could damage your ear canal.
Caution, it should be noted that when noise exceeds 105 dB, ear plug-type hearing protection will not be recommended.
You may also like
View all
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window.