So just who invented the ear plug and what did they use it for?
Well no-one so far has been able to dig up an ancient ear plug, but the
earliest reference to ear plugs was made in Homer's epic poem the
Odyssey written in around the end of the 8th century BC. By this
reference we know they were being used then but what were they used for?
In Homer's Odyssey ear plugs were used to drown out the bewitching song of the Sirens (beautiful creatures whose haunting song would lure sailors into the ocean and to their deaths).
Early Materials for ear plugs
Odysseus's crew may have used wax pairs to help shut out the song of the Sirens. However, it is believed that other materials were also used including clay, cotton, wood, ivory or even silver - nothing but the best to insert into the ear holes of the noble classes!
Modern silicone pairs were invented by Ray and Cecilia Benner who marketed their new silicone version at swimmers as silicone is a waterproof material. This was to help prevent what was known as 'swimmer's ear', which is a particularly painful infection referred to by medics as otitis externa.
Uses for ear plugs
We don't suppose that many were sold to sailors to shut out the song of the Sirens, but they were used just as they are used today, to shut out noise and to protect you from water and dust.
Today they are used in just the same way for many of the same reasons. Only today's modern noise nuisances, include aircraft noise, loud music, industrial machinery, loud snoring and traffic noise etc.
Many people find them helpful for blocking out their partner's snoring, allowing them to share the same bed with their partner for years. Musicians use them to protect them from tinnitus, as do concert goers. Both workmen and swimmers use them to block out dust and water.
Moulded Ear Plugs
Regular users, however, can increase the risk of ear infections, especially if they are shared or are ill-fitting. Custom and moulded versions can help to prevent this by being moulded to the exact shape of your ear.
Thermoplastic molded ear plugs also contain an antibacterial compound which further protects you. Although moulded pairs don't come in silver or ivory, they do come in a range of funky colours to suit your mood.
In Homer's Odyssey ear plugs were used to drown out the bewitching song of the Sirens (beautiful creatures whose haunting song would lure sailors into the ocean and to their deaths).
Early Materials for ear plugs
Odysseus's crew may have used wax pairs to help shut out the song of the Sirens. However, it is believed that other materials were also used including clay, cotton, wood, ivory or even silver - nothing but the best to insert into the ear holes of the noble classes!
Modern silicone pairs were invented by Ray and Cecilia Benner who marketed their new silicone version at swimmers as silicone is a waterproof material. This was to help prevent what was known as 'swimmer's ear', which is a particularly painful infection referred to by medics as otitis externa.
Uses for ear plugs
We don't suppose that many were sold to sailors to shut out the song of the Sirens, but they were used just as they are used today, to shut out noise and to protect you from water and dust.
Today they are used in just the same way for many of the same reasons. Only today's modern noise nuisances, include aircraft noise, loud music, industrial machinery, loud snoring and traffic noise etc.
Many people find them helpful for blocking out their partner's snoring, allowing them to share the same bed with their partner for years. Musicians use them to protect them from tinnitus, as do concert goers. Both workmen and swimmers use them to block out dust and water.
Moulded Ear Plugs
Regular users, however, can increase the risk of ear infections, especially if they are shared or are ill-fitting. Custom and moulded versions can help to prevent this by being moulded to the exact shape of your ear.
Thermoplastic molded ear plugs also contain an antibacterial compound which further protects you. Although moulded pairs don't come in silver or ivory, they do come in a range of funky colours to suit your mood.
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