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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.
In particular, the moldable ON-ear plugs OHROPAX® Classic and OHROPAX® silicone products offer a high level of wearing comfort, as they do not put pressure on the ear canal. They are therefore ideal for longer periods of use – for example, throughout the night.
However, for extended use, it is recommended to take short breaks to allow the ear canal to ventilate – but only when no noise source is present nearby! This helps to prevent moisture buildup in the ear canal caused by perspiration, which could potentially lead to skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Tip: For optimal comfort and ear health, take regular breaks and ensure that the ear canal stays dry and well-ventilated.
OHROPAX® earplugs cannot cure tinnitus itself, as tinnitus is a subjective perception that originates within the body and is not caused by external noise.
However, many people affected by tinnitus are particularly sensitive to noise and experience an increased perception of their tinnitus when exposed to loud or disturbing sounds. In such cases, OHROPAX® earplugs can be a valuable aid in reducing unwanted noise, relieving the strain caused by tinnitus, and improving overall quality of life.
Tip: If you suffer from tinnitus, earplugs can help protect your ears from bothersome sounds and reduce overall noise exposure.
The reusability of OHROPAX® earplugs depends on the material. Wax and foam plugs (e.g. OHROPAX® Classic) are classified as single-use products under the European regulation for Personal Protective Equipment, since they cannot be safely or easily cleaned. This regulation is primarily based on occupational safety requirements.
In everyday home use, however, the risk of contamination is much lower, so some users choose, at their own responsibility, to reuse the plugs as long as they remain clean, soft, and fully functional.
By contrast, our silicone earplugs can be carefully cleaned with water up to 5 times. Flanged plugs can additionally be cleaned with a mild soap solution, making them suitable for multiple uses. After cleaning, they should always be rinsed with water and thoroughly dried, for example by gently dabbing with a cloth.
Important note: Always ensure that your hands, earplugs, and ears are clean and dry to avoid skin irritation caused by dirt or moisture.
No. Earplugs should generally not be used for diving, as they can interfere with the necessary pressure equalization.
However, the very tight and water-repellent seal provided by silicone plugs (e.g. OHROPAX® Aqua) offers excellent protection against water entering the ear while swimming, bathing, showering, or washing your hair.
OHROPAX® Aqua silicone earplugs provide a secure and tight fit that reliably prevents water from entering the ear during swimming, bathing, or showering. However, with vigorous movements such as those that occur while swimming, there is a possibility that the plugs may loosen and no longer seal completely.
For additional protection, it is recommended to wear a snug headband over the ears to help keep the earplugs securely in place.
The cotton layer around each Classic wax ball is part of the manufacturing process and also makes it easier to remove them from the packaging. However, the cotton must always be removed before use! It has no sound-attenuating effect and should not be kneaded into the material, as this could impair the earplug’s protective performance.
OHROPAX® products are made exclusively from safe, tested materials. All products are free from PVC, plasticizers, nanoparticles, and latex, ensuring they are safe and skin-friendly to use. You can rely on the quality and safety of OHROPAX® with complete peace of mind.
OHROPAX® products are generally free from ingredients of animal origin and can therefore be considered vegan. The only exception is OHROPAX® Classic, which contains a red dye derived in trace amounts from insects. This dye is also commonly used in many cosmetic products, such as lipsticks.
Some people notice their heartbeat or pulse when first wearing earplugs. The quiet created by the plugs makes the brain suddenly pay attention to internal sounds that are normally not perceived.
No need to worry: this phenomenon is harmless and usually disappears after a short time, as the brain quickly learns to filter out such sounds.
In general, OHROPAX® products should not be modified. ON-ear plugs such as OHROPAX® Classic or the silicone range are intentionally designed in a generous size, as they are placed ON-ear of the ear canal and any excess material is pressed into the outer ear. This ensures that no part of the plug enters the ear canal too deeply, which could make removal difficult.
If foam plugs such as OHROPAX® Color, Soft, or Yellow seem too large, the slimmer OHROPAX® Young may be a good alternative, as it is specially designed for smaller ears. For filter plugs like OHROPAX® Travel and Music, each pack includes an additional pair in a smaller size, into which the filters can be inserted.
Only in rare cases are ear canals so large that there is a risk of an IN-ear plug entering too deeply and becoming difficult to remove. In such cases, IN-ear plugs (such as foam or earplugs with lamellae) should be avoided.
Instead, ON-ear plugs such as OHROPAX® Classic or silicone earplugs (except OHROPAX® Kids) are the better choice. These plugs are placed ON-ear of the ear canal and provide a secure seal without entering the canal.
Tip: Try out the different sizes carefully to find the product that suits you best. ON-ear plugs usually offer a comfortable and effective solution without the risk of sitting too deep in the ear canal.
Yes, OHROPAX® earplugs are also suitable for wind and drafts thanks to their reliable seal and high wearing comfort. Particularly popular in windy conditions are OHROPAX® Clear (silicone) and OHROPAX® Classic (wax).
Important note: Because the earplugs seal the ear effectively, your ability to hear surrounding sounds will also be reduced. This may be relevant in certain situations, such as walking or cycling.
It can happen that an OHROPAX® Classic plug loosens with stronger turning movements, especially when lying on it. The Vaseline component of the plug may then seep into the fabric and leave a stain.
How to remove the stain:
Apply a small amount of dishwashing liquid directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.
Rinse the stain with lukewarm water. This method works similarly to removing olive oil stains.
Alternatively, wash the fabric at 60 °C with a good heavy-duty detergent (provided the fabric is suitable for that temperature).
Using this method, the stain should be easy to remove.
An earplug that completely blocks all sound is not possible for anatomical and physical reasons. Even with the best attenuation, sound is transmitted to the inner ear through the skin and skull bone.
For maximum noise reduction, earmuffs are the most effective option. They can achieve attenuation values of up to 44 decibels (SNR), while IN-ear plugs made of expanding foam provide up to 35 dB (SNR).
However, it is important that the earplug fits correctly in the ear and is comfortable enough to wear for longer periods.
Tip: Combining earmuffs with earplugs does not significantly increase attenuation, since sound is also transmitted via bone conduction.
Yes, OHROPAX® earplugs can be worn daily for several hours – for example, overnight – thanks to their skin-friendly materials.
However, it is recommended to take breaks after use to allow the ear to ventilate. This is particularly important to prevent moisture buildup and potential skin irritation – but only when there is no risk of noise exposure.
Although rare, it can happen that pets, children, or even adults accidentally swallow earplugs.
The greatest danger is if the earplugs enter the windpipe and cause choking. However, if they reach the stomach, there is no acute risk. None of the OHROPAX® products contain harmful substances. The plugs are indigestible and are usually excreted naturally after some time.
If your dog or another pet shows signs of stomach pain, nausea, or discomfort, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian as a precaution.
Silicone plugs belong to the category of ON-ear plugs and must not be inserted into the ear canal. If this nevertheless happens and the plug can no longer be removed with your fingers, it is important not to attempt removal with cotton swabs or hard objects, as this increases the risk of injury and may push the plug even deeper.
In this case, you should promptly consult an ENT specialist, who can safely and professionally remove the plug. To prevent such situations, always make sure that ON-ear plugs are placed ON-ear of the ear canal only.
A permanent reduction in hearing may indicate that earwax (cerumen) has built up ON-ear of the eardrum. Some people naturally produce more cerumen, and sometimes water from bathing can cause it to swell. In-ear plugs can also push naturally occurring cerumen further into the ear canal when inserted deeply.
Such a cerumen plug can be easily removed by an ENT specialist, either through rinsing or with special instruments. If you notice unusual hearing loss, it is advisable to see a doctor to check for earwax buildup.
OHROPAX® products are available in pharmacies in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. If an item is not in stock, it can usually be ordered at short notice.
In addition, you can find OHROPAX® in many drugstores and supermarkets:
Germany: dm drogeriemarkt, Rossmann, Müller, Budnikowski
Austria: dm drogeriemarkt, Müller, BIPA
Switzerland: Co-op, Müller
Our products are also available in grocery stores such as EDEKA, REWE, Penny, and Hit.
In addition, OHROPAX® products are available in numerous online shops as well as on Amazon.
The initial firmness of OHROPAX® Classic earplugs is due to the material properties of the wax at lower temperatures. To improve comfort before use, it is recommended to knead the plugs thoroughly between your fingers to warm and soften them.
Once rolled into a soft ball, they can be comfortably pressed ON-ear of the ear canal. You may also store the packaging in a warmer place (e.g. near a radiator), but not above 30 °C, to avoid damaging the material.
OHROPAX® is aware of the environmental impact of plastic and continuously works to reduce its use. However, several factors must be considered when choosing packaging:
Airtight sealing: Especially foam plugs require airtight packaging to preserve their elasticity and effectiveness over long periods.
Secondary use of containers: Many customers reuse our plastic containers at home, for example as practical storage boxes for small items.
Sustainability: In 2024, we switched all hinged-lid containers to a thinner-wall design, saving about 25% plastic. The containers are made of pure, non-dyed PP plastic that is 100% recyclable.
Future outlook: We are working intensively on alternative packaging. Together with our suppliers, we developed a paper-based package that ensures airtight closure for foam plugs. The first such packaging will be available in 2025 for OHROPAX® Soft.
Paper packaging for OHROPAX® Classic: All OHROPAX® Classic products are already available in pure paper packaging in all sizes (4, 12, and 20 pieces). OHROPAX® Good Night (silicone) will also be offered in a 16-piece pure paper package.
