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Depending on the model and material, OHROPAX® earplugs reduce noise by about 21 to 35 decibels. Even so, you can usually still hear your alarm clock or other important signals. A typical phone or bedside alarm rings at around 60 to 85 decibels, while smoke detectors often exceed 85 decibels. With earplugs in place, about 35 to 50 decibels still reach your ears — generally enough to wake you up or alert you to warnings, especially when the plugs are fitted correctly.
Not necessarily. Sound insulation values are determined according to an official DIN standard using 15 test subjects. This is a rather subjective method with relatively high variations. The values are primarily intended to provide a basis for comparing different products.
In practice, however, it is more important to find the material that feels most comfortable for you and the earplug that best fits your ear canal. Only an earplug that sits correctly and that you enjoy wearing for longer periods can deliver its full noise reduction performance.
By the way: the testing standard requires a minimum insulation of 12 dB (SNR). Since decibel values are scaled logarithmically, this means: even an earplug with “only” 21 to 25 dB is well above the standard – and may block noise better than a poorly fitting plug rated at over 30 dB. So pay less attention to the numbers alone, and more to comfort and fit.
Certain OHROPAX® earplugs are generally suitable for children from around 6 years of age – provided they fit properly and seal well in the ear. Only then can the hearing protection work effectively, which can be recognized by an immediate reduction in perceived sound. Younger children often cannot reliably assess this protective effect, which is why we recommend the use of OHROPAX® earplugs only from the age of 6 – and always under adult supervision.
The size and shape of the ear canal vary greatly from person to person – and they are difficult to determine from the outside. Even people with a narrow head can have a large ear canal, while taller individuals may sometimes have particularly narrow ones. In addition, for many people, the entrance to the ear canal is not round but rather flat and narrow. Another common feature: the ear canal often does not run straight, but bends in the front section and follows an S-shaped curve.
IN-ear plugs (e.g. foam or models with lamellae) are best suited for people with round, unobstructed ear canals. They can be compressed and inserted deeply into the canal, where they expand and create a secure seal.
However, those with narrow, angled, or very slim ear canals may find these models difficult to use, as they often do not sit securely and may slip out.
ON-ear plugs (wax or silicone) are the better choice in such cases. They sit at the entrance of the ear canal and seal it from the outside. This type is suitable for almost any ear canal shape.
Tip: The best way to find the right earplug is to try out different models until you discover which ones fit comfortably and provide reliable protection.