Stupid question: How do ear plugs work?

[LisaR]

I have never used them so I honestly don't know.

My son is attending some competitions where the music is blaring for 8 solid hours. He suffers from migraines and the music at the first competition caused a major headache. If I buy him some ear plugs, will they drown out everything? He needs to be able to communicate with his teammates. If they are standing right next to him, will he be able to hear them? I don't want him to have to take them out and put them back in everytime he needs to listen to someone because I am sure he will drop them or lose them.

 

[KimR]

I use them quite often and I'm always able to hear well enough to hold a conversation with those around me. Sometimes I do have to remove them, though, depending on how far away the person is. They don't eliminate all noise, they just take the edge off enough to make it bearable.

 

[Sleepy]

They will not drown out everything, but will make things extremely muffled/quieter. My husband used them all the time while stationed on aircraft carriers. Plugs are reusable, so if he had to he could remove one to hear, then replace it.

 

[clovergirl5]

I used to have to wear them when I worked in the factory. I agree with pp, you wear them, but you can still hear pretty well if someone was trying to talk to you. Haha, I can still hear dd2 screaming in the van when I have them in (I keep a pair in the van just for this reason lol)

What I don't get is the ear buds for mp3, ipods and everything else these days. Those darn things will not stay in my ears for anything! Just keep poppin out.

 

[LisaR]

Thanks! It sounds like this might work for him. I looked at the drugstore today and they sold these soft ear plugs that conform to your ear. Is that all you guys use? They had one that looked like a gel type thing but those were for adults so I am not sure they would work for my 12 y/o.

 

[Sleepy]

Thanks! It sounds like this might work for him. I looked at the drugstore today and they sold these soft ear plugs that conform to your ear. Is that all you guys use? They had one that looked like a gel type thing but those were for adults so I am not sure they would work for my 12 y/o.

They will work. My husband and I always used the cheaper foam ones. You take them between your thumb and fingers and sort of roll them very thin and immediately place it in the canal of the ear. It will slowly grow in size to seal the ear. Don't worry, plenty will hang on the outside for removal. Removal does not hurt either. Just pull and it will come out.