Blog

Ear Plugs for Sport Relief

2012-02-23T09:04:38Z

If you're running for charity don't forget your ear plugsSport Relief is just round the corner and it’s your time to do something fantastic for charity. Why not dress up for the event and run the mile? Already the likes of Amir Khan, Jenson Button, David Tennant, Jo Brand, Willie Carson and Dermot O'Leary have dressed up to promote the Sport Relief Mile! A lot of fun can be had when raising money and awareness for charity with everyone cheering on each other and keeping in good spirits.

However, if you’re running more than the intended mile as part of your exercising routine while raising money, then you may need to block out the surrounding noises to beat your record time and go that extra mile.

We can hear you saying that it’s impossible to drown out the sound of screaming children and large groups of people. Well, we’re glad to say that there is a way to drown out the racket and to productively use that time to concentrate on the run. At All Ear Plugs, strangely enough, we believe that ear plugs could hold the answer to your woes.

The beauty of noise reduction ear plugs is that they don’t block out sounds, they simply reduce the level of noise you can hear. When you’re running you don’t want to block out sounds completely as you need to keep your wits about you especially when it comes to being aware of the traffic around you. Ear plugs like Proguard Noizezz Universal Ear Plugs are ideal for you to wear when running the Sport Relief Mile as you will be able to drown out the distracting noises, while being aware of your surroundings and enabling you to concentrate on beating your record time.

Running essentials

•   Good running shoes or trainers
•   Plenty of water
•   If you’re going quite a distance energy bars are good to have on you
•   Ear plugs could be the perfect accessory to wear if you have a goal in mind
•   Support – bring you family and friends along

Can’t run the mile? There are plenty of other ways you can do you bit for charity, here are a few ideas:

•   Bake sale
•   Fancy dress at work
•   Quiz night
•   Auction
•   Sporting matches against work mates

Whatever you do to raise money and awareness for this terrific charity, have fun!

Are you at risk of hearing damage?

2012-02-20T10:00:33Z

In today’s society exposure to excessively loud levels of noise is not always avoidable. Whether we are at home or at work, we are subjected to many different damaging noises from power tools to loud music. However, there is something that we can incorporate into our daily lives to prevent damage occurring in our ears, ear plugs.

Increasingly, more studies are showing an incredible spike in hearing damage concerning young people. At first, this damage can be temporary, but if your hearing is exposed repeatedly to damaging sounds, this damage can result in irreversible inner ear damage.

Hearing checks

Although it may not be a usual thought to pop into your head, unlike an eye test, we here at All Ear Plugs believe that you should have your hearing tested annually. Any hearing impairment may not be recognisable at first, but if left without any checkups, you could experience severer long-term damage. Once your hearing has deteriorated, that is it; once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Without healthy hearing, you may find it extremely hard to communicate, unable to hear coherently and left with feelings of frustration and irritation.

Safe Sounds

A safe sound is considered to measure up to 85dB (decibels), which is the noise level of city traffic whilst in a car. To prevent any hearing damage from occurring it is best practice to become aware of surrounding noises and what you believe to be too loud. We recommend that you check the level of noise that surrounds you and work and take the necessary precautions to ensure your hearing is preserved.

After being exposed to a dangerous level of sound, give your hearing a rest for roughly 24 hours or remove yourself from the area. However, if you wish to remain in the concert (averages 115dB) or another equally loud event, we suggest you wear some hearing protection.

At All Ear Plugs we have a fantastic range of disposable and reusable ear plugs that are suitable for an array of occasions including rock concerts. They are affordable, comfortable to wear and provide the necessary hearing protection when exposed to excessive levels of noise.

Factors to be aware of when choosing your ear plugs

•   Some ear plugs can produce 10 to 20dB of high frequency attenuation, which can result in speech appearing to be muffled. However, at All Ear Plugs we have ear plugs with different attenuating filters, which can prevent muffled speech and even make it more audible
•   Ear plugs have different NRRs (Noise Reduction Rating*), so be mindful of how loud you expect the event to be and chose your ear plugs accordingly
•   When you wear ear plugs your voice may sound hollow
•   Be sure to insert your ear plugs properly as improper insertion can put your hearing at risk

*A NRR is a single-number estimate of hearing protector attenuation, which is required by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) for all non-custom hearing protectors.

Professional Musicians

For professional musicians, we recommend you wear custom fit ear plugs. These are constructed using an impression of the ear canal that has been taken by an audiologist or other hearing health professionals. Musicians’ ear plugs are comfortable to wear and allows the musician to hear the full range of sounds at a safer level without compromising sound quality. Musicians’ ear plugs attenuate frequencies evenly in relation to your hearing.

Who needs to wear musicians’ ear plugs?

In the simplest form, musicians’ ear plugs should be worn by:

•   Those who are exposed to 90-120 dB sound levels for various time periods
•   Those who need to hear accurately
•   Musicians (funnily enough)
•   Sound crews
•   Recording engineers
•   Nightclub employees
•   Other music industry professionals

However, there are others who would benefit from wearing these ear protectors such as:

•   Loud-music listeners
•   Those who suffer from tinnitus or hyperacusis
•   Spectators at loud events other than music concerts, such as sporting events

Mack’s Hear Plugs High Fidelity ear plugs

Mack's Hear Plugs use a tuned resonator and acoustic resonator, and are a cost effective alternative to custom ear plugs worn by profession musicians. These ear plugs allow the wearer to hear the full range of sound, music and communication.

They boast nearly the same fidelity as musicians’ ear plugs and allow the wearer to hear sounds clearly, but at a quieter volume.

Musicians Ear plugs – NAMM and H.E.A.R have formed a strong collaboration

2012-01-31T14:26:34Z

NAMM and H.E.A.R have formed a strong collaborationOnce again the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) has teamed up with H.E.A.R. (Hearing Education and Awareness for Rockers) for this year’s Winter NAMM Show to spread the word about hearing health issues.

The NAMM have been the driving force behind the music industry since its inception in 1901, encouraging people of all ages to create music and working alongside both large and small firms to increase their overall productivity.

The popular trade show has been showcasing the latest innovations in musical products, recording technology, sound and lighting. During the event that took place between 19^th and 22^nd January in Anaheim, California, bins were filled with free Mack's ultra soft foam ear plugs around the entire trade show floor and lobby areas.

Visitors also benefited from additional information that was presented concerning the importance of healthy hearing from popular organisation H.E.A.R, including special hearing protection devices such as musician ear plugs. The non-profit hearing health organisation also showcased their award-winning rockumentary, produced by Dan Beck, featuring Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica and many other popular rockers. The film was produced to primarily create awareness about noise-induced hearing loss and encourage safer practices when consuming high decibel sound.

H.E.A.R, founded in 1988 and dedicated to the prevention of hearing loss and tinnitus among music lovers is supported by the music industry, audiologists, physicians, hearing health manufacturers and individual donors. The organisation also promotes the idea for musicians and their fans to wear musician ear plugs, to prevent repeated exposure to excessive noise levels damaging their hearing.

The beauty of wearing musician ear plugs is that the wearer can still enjoy the full range of sounds produced for a prolonged amount of time, without running the risk of damaging their health. With special musician ear plugs like Alpine MusicSafe Pro ear plugs, music can become more audible, unlike traditional ear plugs were sounds can seem muffled. They are the ideal hearing protection devices to wear when attending festivals, rock concerts and underground gigs or working in the studio.

The joint efforts of H.E.A.R. and NAMM has had a tremendous effect on people’s awareness about noise-induced hearing loss, encouraging music fans across the world to wear hearing protection devices. The message has become so vastly spread that it has shaped the way musicians, sound engineers, music industry professionals and music fans care for their hearing. This has proved to be a strong collaboration and with it blossoming even further, there is a possibility that many others will get onto the bandwagon to protect their hearing and save whatever amount of hearing they may have.

Sports Relief

2012-01-25T08:54:20Z

Between 23rd and 25th March, people across the country will be coming together to get active, raise money and change the lives of thousands of people, all in the name of Sports Relief. It is a noteworthy cause that helps people in the UK and those in the poorest of countries transform their lives for the better. Over the course of one year pledges to Comic Relief (the recipients of Sports Relief donations) have provided over 50,000 people living in slums with clean and safe water.

Projects that have seen donations transform lives in the UK include Women’s Aid Federation England (WAFE), Association for Young People’s Health, Social Spider CIC and many others. Abroad, your money has helped save lives and improve living conditions for many families. In Sierra Leone's city slums, Unisa, a father of a sick family would frequently have to make the decision of either buying the necessary medicine for his ill child or feed the rest of his family. With your donations, Sports Relief workers were able to build new wells and ensure they're hygienic and chlorinated. Now Unisa and his family have clean and safe drinking water on their doorstep.

Getting Involved

Running the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile is a great way to help raise money. If you’re interested, take a look at the website and see where the closest starting point is for you. There are hundreds of Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile events taking place across the country and whether you want to run one, two, three or six miles, you will be able to do it with a smile on your face, knowing it’s all for a good cause. Secure your place on the 25th March, by searching for the nearest location and sign up on the website. It only costs £6 an adult, £3 a child or £15 for a family of four and is a great way of getting sponsored and raising money.

Benefits: Fitness, push yourself and go that extra mile. All the support and encouragement you need to go that little further is all in the knowledge that for every mile, more money is raised.

There are plenty of fundraising events that you can take part in. Why not hold a bake sale at work or take part in a jumble sale? Get your creative caps on and see what you could do for charity.

Benefits: Seeing the joy on people’s faces once they taste your scrumptious goodies or knowing that you have been able to remove your unwanted items from the garage with all proceeds going to charity.

Tips for running the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile

If you’re running the mile make sure you have plenty of water with you to keep you and your family hydrated. If you’re taking part in the event as a fun part of your exercise routine, bring along some ear plugs with you. By simply inserting a pair of noise reduction ear plugs you will be able to drown out the noise and concentrate on running the mile or two (maybe six) in record time. However, more importantly have fun; this is a great event where people come together in high spirits to help those in need.

Introducing Children’s Ear Defenders

2012-01-09T10:17:13Z

With children it’s hard not to wrap them up with cotton wool. We don’t want any harm coming to them, whether it’s a mean comment from another child or falling over and hurting themselves, but have you thought about their hearing?

In the early years of a child’s life their hearing can be extremely sensitive to loud noises and repeated exposure can cause incurable damage. So why not make sure their hearing is always looked after by having them wear some children’s ear plugs, or better still, ear defenders?

At All Ear Plugs we have a great range of children’s ear defenders in a variety of colours including red, pink, blue and green. Whether you love taking your kids to firework displays, concerts, festivals, motor racing or other events, be sure their hearing is always protected with an ear defender. No matter where you go, if the noises are too high, your children’s hearing can be protected.

They are extremely easy to carry around with you as they can be folded up to fit the palm of your hand or placed securely in a handbag.

Here are a few of the ear defenders we have available:

Edz Kids Ear Defenders - Green

Edz Kids Ear Defenders - Yellow Now £11.99, save £2.00

Edz Kids Ear Defenders - Pink

Edz Kids Ear Defenders - Black

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T00:00:02Z

Happy New Year and welcome to 2012!

We all hope you had a great night? Today is officially the first day of a new year that’s sure to only bring good things. Now is the time to kick start your new year’s resolutions and if one of them is to take better care of yourself, then why not ensure your ears are always looked after?

At All Ear Plugs you will find a great selection of ear plugs that are suitable for a range of situations. Whether you’re having problems sleeping, love to go to gigs or want to travel the world, you’ll find the right ear plug for you.

All Ear Plugs.

New Year Fireworks

2011-12-28T10:20:00Z

When it comes to celebrating the end of a year, watching as the clock strikes midnight, we wish we could be in London. Nothing could be more spectacular than gazing at Big Ben and counting down each tick to then be greeted by an awe inspiring firework display. The atmosphere sounds incredible too and one many of us are sure to want to be part of.

So if you’re one of these lucky people travelling to Big Ben to see 2012 in, you may want to bring some ear plugs with you, along with your champagne, of course. London is one of the most popular places to be when seeing in the New Year, so the crowd is sure to be vast and loud.

Not only do your ears have to contend with the noise levels of the crowd and the numerous bottles of champagne popping, but more importantly the fireworks.

Did you know that a firework display can reach up to 140dB? That’s the equivalent of an aeroplane taking off and is 55dB louder than what is considered to be a safe sound. With this in mind, you’re sure to want to bring some ear plugs with you, but what kind?

We here at All Ear Plugs would recommend you bring a pair of noise reduction ear plugs with you. They don’t eliminate all sounds, just the damaging noises and are comfortable to wear, easy to insert and discrete.

The ear plugs we recommend you wear this New Year’s Eve are:

Macks Ultra Safe Sound Ear Plugs

ACS ER20 Generic Fit Ear Plugs

Macks Dreamgirl Ear Plugs 7 pairs with Aluminium Case

Macks Ear Seals Ear Plugs

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T08:07:26Z

Merry Christmas! We all hope you’re having a wonderful day, celebrating with family and friends and eating too much food? The run up to Christmas is a fantastic time, but the day itself is one of the happiest and is always filled with joy.

If you have finished unwrapping all your presents and giving your gifts to loved ones, we hope you received all that was on your list.

Have an incredible day and we will see you in the New Year,

All Ear Plugs

Christmas light ceremonies

2011-12-12T09:18:00Z

December is a busy time for Christmas light ceremonies, especially in London where they take place throughout the month. In London these ceremonies aren’t your average ‘switching on the lights’, in the capital they do it in style. Celebrities come into the city in force, performing their new single for adoring fans and making sure the press come to cover the festive event.

All the events in London are open for everyone to attend and we’re sure there are two events everyone will be clambering onto the trains for, Justin Bieber at Westfield London and Westfield Stratford.

We have already seen (most) of The Saturdays turn on the lights on Oxford Street and perform four of their hit songs. Frankie was one band mate that did not attend the event due to illness, but the rest of the band made sure their performance didn’t suffer.

With such big celebrities hitting the stage to bring a bit of glamour to the festive event, they’re sure to attract quite a crowd. You can imagine it’s going to be a very noisy affair. Fans will be screaming to get a glimpse of their favourite star and are sure to be singing along to their favourite song.

When we go to concerts we’re advised to bring ear plugs with us, not just because the amplified music is extremely loud, but also because of the high pitched screams that surround you. When a large group of people congregate noise levels can be extremely loud and cause hearing damage. The same can be said for the Christmas light ceremonies. With all the noise coming from the crowd and the stage, it’s sure to be very noisy.

So this year, why not bring some noise reduction ear plugs with you? You will still be able to hear what is going on around you, soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the music, but at a safer noise level.

Our hearing is one of the most precious things that we posses and normally we take it for granted. Once your hearing is impaired, that is it. Currently there is no cure for hearing loss or deafness, the only commodity we can have to help us hear better is in the form of hearing aids. This is why prevention, such as wearing ear plugs is key to healthy hearing.

If you’re heading to London for one of the Christmas light ceremonies then why not take a pair of these noise reduction ear plugs with you?

Macks Slim Fit Ear Plugs

ACS ER20 Generic Fit Ear Plugs

Macks Safe Sound Ear Plugs For Her

Christmas Concerts

2011-12-07T10:15:00Z

Surely nothing can get you more into the spirit of Christmas than a good concert? Whether you prefer to see carol singers perform your favourite songs or like to take an outing to watch a professional singer take to the stage, during this festive season there is something for everyone.

If you’re in London over Christmas why not take a break from shopping and enjoy listening to carols sung by the New London Choir at St Martin-in-the-Fields during the 17^th December? Or, during the 15^th-22^nd December take a wonder down to The Royal Albert Hall and have a sing-a-long with the London Concert Chorus and the London Concert Orchestra?

However, if you’re spending some time in Manchester you might be interested in watching Winter Wonderland with the Hallé at The Bridgewater Hall? It’s a fun packed family event filled with sing-a-longs, music from the talented Hallé orchestra (conducted by Andrew Gourlay) and a Christmas quiz. The Hallé will be performing throughout December.

There are so many festive events going on during the Christmas season, when you search around you’re sure to find something that will excite you and the family. However, with an orchestra and a large choir, noise levels could be extremely high.

Nothing could be worse than having ear ache on Christmas day, so why not prepare yourself and bring a long some ear plugs with you? At All Ear Plugs we know how important our hearing is and want to share with you the simple ways you can help prevent hearing damage. So when you take a break from your Christmas shopping to enjoy some carols, we believe you should bring with you some noise reduction ear plugs.

Choose from a variety of sizes with All Ear Plugs. No matter what shape ear you have, you will always be able to protect your hearing. Here are just a few of the noise reduction ear plugs we have available:

ACS ER20 Generic Fit Ear Plugs - Small to Medium

ACS ER20 Generic Fit Ear Plugs - Average to Large

Macks Slim Fit Ear Plugs 7 Pair with Aluminium Case