Whether you often go to concerts, work in a noisy environment or just care about your hearing: good hearing protection is no luxury. But what do you choose? Universal earplugs or custom-made otoplastics? And what exactly do terms like “high-tone filter” and “flat filter” mean? In this blog, we explain everything so you can make an informed choice.
Universal hearing protection: available to all
Universal hearing protectors, as the name suggests, are designed for general use. They can be used right out of the package and come in a variety of sizes and styles. Think silicone earplugs, reusable plugs with filters or disposable foam versions .
Benefits of universal hearing protection:
- Immediately available: No need to wait for production or printing.
- Affordable: A lower price makes them attractive for occasional use.
- Versatile: Suitable for a variety of situations such as festivals, motorcycling or odd jobs.
Disadvantages of universal hearing protection:
- Less comfort: Because they are not precisely tailored to your ear, they can begin to irritate after a long time.
- Less sealing: A non-perfect fit means that sound can sometimes still leak.
- Limited lifespan: Certainly disposable versions are not very durable.
Universal earplugs are ideal for people who need occasional protection and for whom comfort and optimal attenuation are less essential.
Customized hearing protection: otoplastics
Otoplastics are hearing protectors made specifically for your ears. They are fitted by a professional who makes an impression of your ear canal. As a result, they seal perfectly and are much more comfortable than universal variants.
Benefits of otoplastics:
- Perfect fit: No pressure points or irritation, even after hours of wear.
- Better protection: The seal is optimal, blocking sound better.
- Durable: They last for years when properly maintained.
- Filter options: You can choose from different filters depending on your usage situation.
Disadvantages of otoplastics:
- Higher price: They are more expensive to buy, but often cheaper in the long run.
- Delivery time: After fitting, it takes a while before you can use them.
- Maintenance: Regular cleaning and sometimes filter replacement are required.
Otoplastics are the best choice for people who are serious about protecting their hearing, for example, musicians, motorcyclists or people who work in noisy environments.
Filters: high-tone versus flat filter
A major advantage of otoplastics is the choice of filters. But what is the difference between a high-tone filter and a flat filter?
High-tone filter
A high-tone filter attenuates mainly the higher frequencies, such as the sound of machinery, engines or loud music. Low tones (such as voices) remain relatively audible. This makes high-tone filters ideal for:
- Motorcyclists (engine and wind noise).
- Industrial workers (machinery, tools)
- Sleep protection against snoring or background noise
Benefits of a high-tone filter:
- You can still hear important sounds such as voices or traffic noises.
- Specific attenuation of interfering treble.
- Less enclosed feeling than with full cushioning.
Flat filter
A flat filter attenuates sound evenly across the entire frequency spectrum. That means music, voices and ambient noise are all reduced proportionally. The tonal balance remains intact, only the volume goes down.
Flat filters are ideally suited for:
- Musicians
- Concertgoers
- DJs and music lovers
Advantages of a flat filter:
- Music continues to sound natural.
- No distortion of sound quality.
- Ideal for situations where sound perception is important.
Summary:
| Filter type | Dampens especially | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| High-tone filter | High tones | Engines, machinery, sleep |
| Flat filter | All tones evenly | Music, concerts, music industry |
When do we recommend which filter?
The choice between a high-tone or flat filter depends on how you will use hearing protection:
- Do you work in construction or industry? → High-tone filter
- Do you ride a lot of motorcycles? → High-tone filter
- Do you sleep lightly and wake up quickly to noises? → High-tone filter
- Are you a musician or concertgoer? → Flat filter
- Want to experience music the way it was intended, but protected? → Flat filter
Sometimes it can even be useful to have multiple sets of otoplastics with different filters, depending on the situation.
Conclusion
Good hearing protection is customized. Universal earplugs are fine for occasional use, but if you really want to take care of your hearing and need frequent protection, otoplastics are the best choice.
In addition, the choice of filter plays a big role. Choose a high-tone filter if you want to attenuate disturbing high tones without losing important low tones. Go for a flat filter if you value sound quality and don’t want to change anything about the sound balance.
Still in doubt? Then get advice from a Horend Goed Audicien. This way you can be sure that your hearing gets the protection it deserves – customized and tailored to your life.
