Why Doc's Proplugs

• Takes only seconds to fit

• Gives better seal than custom moulded earplugs! The memory in Doc's Proplugs makes it expand against the skin and follow changes in ear shape.

• Does not impact earwax.

• Vented to allow equalisation, better hearing and balance

• Solid option (not vented) also available with increased noise reduction

• Softer, more comfortable, better compliance.

• Flexible, conforms to the auricle, improves seal.

• Available with leash for open water use.

• They float.

• Inexpensive.
  

Doc's Proplugs - Vented or Non-Vented that is the question!

Vented ear plugs are clear, they float and are leashed and as such they are ideal for all watersports including diving. They reduce noise by approximately 20 db and so may also be sufficient as a noise reduction aid. They are not recommended for persons with a perforated eardrum who are partaking in watersports.

The vent in the earplug (Scotts Valve) allows the transfer of sound waves and differences in air pressure while surface tension prevents the entry of water in wipe-out situations. Anyone with severe narrowing of the ear canal can avoid frequent water blockage by wearing Proplugs. Latest research suggests that severe exostosis is slowed by keeping the ears religiously warm around the clock with plugs and woollen / silk head bands or hoods, especially when sleeping at night.

I use them for outdoor watersports (surfing, canoeing, triathlon, diving) and indeed most outdoor sports (cycling, running, mountaineering) where there is a risk of either ear infection or chilling of the ear. The leash is particularly useful in extreme situations where is gives an added security to the plugs. However when I'm swimming in a pool I have a second set where I've remove the leash as it tends to get caught by my arm particularly during backstroke.

I have friends who also use the vented plugs for partial noise reduction when out clubbing or when working as DJ's. The leash proves useful here to as the plugs can be hung around their necks when not in use.

Non vented plugs reduce noise by approximately 30 db and are not leashed.

What are the risks?

Hearing loss and pain
The ear is designed to pick up and transfer air borne vibrations (noise) down the ear canal, across the eardrum, through the middle ear and into the inner ear. Specific vibrations cause specific hair cells to fire off nervous impulses to the brain. Anything that breaks this chain will have an affect on your hearing.

Infections and growths in the external ear canal can block vibrations getting to the ear drum as well as causing al lot of pain. A damaged or scared ear drum will not pass on vibrations as well as one in good condition and if hair cells have been destroyed due to excessive noise over a long period of time then certain frequencies of sound will never be heard again.

Surfers Ear
Water filling your ears and then evaporating off causes the ear canal to be chilled. The bone around the canal reacts by growing (exostosis), these growths narrow the ear canal first forming a sump, behind which water can collect and cause infection, finally these growths can close off the ear canal altogether.

Anyone in a wet and windy environment is at risk, even in warm conditions. If no preventive action is taken then infections will increase and hearing will become impaired. To reverse the effect a delicate and uncomfortable operation is required that will keep you out of the water for 3 months with an ear stuffed full of dressing and a constant ringing that will drive you mad!

Swimmers Ear
Tropical ear or external otitis is an inflammation of the external ear canal skin. The skin thickens making the ear canal narrower. Symptoms include pain, itching, poor drainage and air conduction deafness.

Without the use of ear plugs the protective earwax that lines the ear canal can be washed away by water flushing in and out of your ears. This can leave the canal vulnerable to infections and swimmers ear.

Cold water pain
Scuba divers often find that cold water in contact with their eardrum causes pain. A traditional ear plug can not be used to prevent this as it will not allow the ears to equalise to the pressure changes involved in this sport.

A vented Doc's Proplug can help prevent the distress of cold water pain as long as the earplug is kept clean and the vent is free of debris and earwax. The diver should clear his ears frequently to make sure that the vent is open to avoid ear squeeze and possible ear damage. If the vent becomes fouled whilst descending then it is advisable to remove the plug.

Ruptured eardrums
Waterskiers are at risk of ruptured eardrums particularly when they fall at high speed. A vented Doc's Proplug may help to prevent this occurrence by protecting a healthy uninjured eardrum.

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