Homemade Earplugs
Earplugs can be used for a variety of reasons 1. Some people, especially professional musicians or gun shooters, use them to block out loud sounds. Some people, including swimmers, use them to keep water out of their ears. Earplugs can be easily made out of objects that are likely around your house.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Silly Putty
Silly Putty is very flexible, so it can break off and be molded to fit into any ear. Silly Putty is also non-toxic, so it won’t cause any problems once it’s put in your ears. Mold a small amount to fit into the holes in your ears 1. Make sure there is an extra amount on the end of the plug so it can be pulled out easily. These earplugs help block out most if not all of the water that would come into your ears, and they also block out most sounds. Use new Silly Putty because it can accumulate germs with use.
- Silly Putty is very flexible, so it can break off and be molded to fit into any ear.
- Silly Putty is also non-toxic, so it won’t cause any problems once it’s put in your ears.
Cotton Swabs
How to Clean Headphone Ear Wax
Learn More
Cotton swabs are not as effective at blocking out noise as Silly Putty, but they are safer because there is a chance that a small amount of Silly Putty could remain in your ears and cause an infection. Cotton swabs are less likely to be infected by bacteria or germs. To use cotton swabs as earplugs, simply take one for each ear and gently work the cotton into your ear. This will help block out noise and even a small amount of water. If you want to keep your cotton swabs more firmly in place, you can gently tape them in place. Don't, however, use tape that adheres too strongly to your skin.
- Cotton swabs are not as effective at blocking out noise as Silly Putty, but they are safer because there is a chance that a small amount of Silly Putty could remain in your ears and cause an infection.
Old Headphones
Old headphones should not be used to block out water, but they can be used to block out sound. Little work has to be done to convert headphones into earplugs; you might just have to snip the cord with a pair of scissors. The most effective type of headphones to use for earplugs is the kind that completely covers your ears. These headphones block out a maximum amount of sound.
- Old headphones should not be used to block out water, but they can be used to block out sound.
- These headphones block out a maximum amount of sound.
Related Articles
References
- Homemade Ear Plugs: Thrifty Fun
- Hu RF, Jiang XY, Hegadoren KM, Zhang YH. Effects of earplugs and eye masks combined with relaxing music on sleep, melatonin and cortisol levels in ICU patients: a randomized controlled trial. Crit Care. 2015;19:115. doi:10.1186/s13054-015-0855-3
- Samelli AG, Gomes RF, Chammas TV, Silva BG, Moreira RR, Fiorini AC. The study of attenuation levels and the comfort of earplugs. Noise Health. 2018;20(94):112-119.
Writer Bio
Eric Benac began writing professionally in 2001. After working as an editor at Alpena Community College in Michigan and receiving his Associate of Journalism, he received a Bachelor of Science in English and a Master of Arts in writing from Northern Michigan University in Marquette.