Foam ear plugs are made from memory foam, a polyurethane plastic
with various additives to make it stiffer and heavier. They have
advantages over other types in that they are cheap and effective at
blocking sound, making them commonplace, often used in industrial
applications as well as on the building sites, oil rigs, factories and
in military service.
Despite these clear advantages it has several disadvantages over most other types of ear plugs. The first is that it is not waterproof and as it is a foam it is also a sponge, actively absorbing liquid and water-logging the skin. They can make the problem worse by slowing drying and holding water for longer. The water soaks through the wax and squamous epithelium (skin) of the delicate canal allowing bacteria in. This can cause swimmer's ear, (otitis externa) an ear infection which causes itching, soreness, pain and discharge.
The second problem is that it expands in the canal, pushing itself out. You may find that if you use them in bed to help you sleep you often wake up with them on the pillow. This is partly because they work their way out, secondly, this may occur because they are not comfortable and you take them out yourself in your sleep. The reason that they are so uncomfortable is partly due to its' expansion pressing on the sensitive lining of your canal, as well as the fact that the outside can be quite abrasive and irritating.
The skin lining the canal is unique in the fact that it is very thin and is closely fitted to the bone. This makes it very sensitive and prone to damage from pointed and abrasive objects inserted into it. If you have early otitis externa foam plugs may make the situation worse because their abrasive nature can inflame the skin further.
The porous nature of the foam version makes them unhygienic as they accumulate dirt, wax, dead skin and other debris during normal use. Although they can be washed and reused a number of times this tends to stiffen and harden them, making them less effective and more likely to cause trauma and damage and increase the risk of ear infections such as otitis externa. This often starts with redness, soreness and itching and progresses to pain, bleeding and reduced hearing. It is important to seek medical attention at an early stage to prevent progression.
Despite these clear advantages it has several disadvantages over most other types of ear plugs. The first is that it is not waterproof and as it is a foam it is also a sponge, actively absorbing liquid and water-logging the skin. They can make the problem worse by slowing drying and holding water for longer. The water soaks through the wax and squamous epithelium (skin) of the delicate canal allowing bacteria in. This can cause swimmer's ear, (otitis externa) an ear infection which causes itching, soreness, pain and discharge.
The second problem is that it expands in the canal, pushing itself out. You may find that if you use them in bed to help you sleep you often wake up with them on the pillow. This is partly because they work their way out, secondly, this may occur because they are not comfortable and you take them out yourself in your sleep. The reason that they are so uncomfortable is partly due to its' expansion pressing on the sensitive lining of your canal, as well as the fact that the outside can be quite abrasive and irritating.
The skin lining the canal is unique in the fact that it is very thin and is closely fitted to the bone. This makes it very sensitive and prone to damage from pointed and abrasive objects inserted into it. If you have early otitis externa foam plugs may make the situation worse because their abrasive nature can inflame the skin further.
The porous nature of the foam version makes them unhygienic as they accumulate dirt, wax, dead skin and other debris during normal use. Although they can be washed and reused a number of times this tends to stiffen and harden them, making them less effective and more likely to cause trauma and damage and increase the risk of ear infections such as otitis externa. This often starts with redness, soreness and itching and progresses to pain, bleeding and reduced hearing. It is important to seek medical attention at an early stage to prevent progression.
No comments:
Post a Comment