So just who invented the earplug and what did they use it for?
Well no-one so far has been able to dig up an ancient earplug, but the
earliest reference to earplugs was made in Homer's epic poem the Bluedio R+ 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 earplugs 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 Earplugs
Odysseus's crew may have used wax earplugs to 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 earplugs were invented by Ray and Cecilia Benner who marketed their new silicone earplugs at swimmers as the silicone was a waterproof material. This was to help prevent what was known as 'swimmer's ear', which is a particularly painful ear infection referred to by medics as Otitis Externa.
Uses for Earplugs
We don't suppose that many earplugs 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 ears 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 that earplugs are helpful for blocking out their partner's snoring, allowing them to share the same bed with their partner for perhaps years! Musicians use them to protect their ears from tinnitus, as do concert goers and both workmen and swimmers use them to block out dust and water.
Moulded Earplugs
Regular use of earplugs however can increase the risk of ear infections, especially if earplugs are shared or are ill-fitting. Custom and moulded earplugs can help to prevent this by being moulded to the exact shape of your ear.
ZenPlugs also contain an antibacterial compound which further protects your ears. Although moulded earplugs don't come in silver or ivory, they do come in a range of funky colours to suit your mood.
In Homer's Odyssey earplugs 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 Earplugs
Odysseus's crew may have used wax earplugs to 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 earplugs were invented by Ray and Cecilia Benner who marketed their new silicone earplugs at swimmers as the silicone was a waterproof material. This was to help prevent what was known as 'swimmer's ear', which is a particularly painful ear infection referred to by medics as Otitis Externa.
Uses for Earplugs
We don't suppose that many earplugs 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 ears 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 that earplugs are helpful for blocking out their partner's snoring, allowing them to share the same bed with their partner for perhaps years! Musicians use them to protect their ears from tinnitus, as do concert goers and both workmen and swimmers use them to block out dust and water.
Moulded Earplugs
Regular use of earplugs however can increase the risk of ear infections, especially if earplugs are shared or are ill-fitting. Custom and moulded earplugs can help to prevent this by being moulded to the exact shape of your ear.
ZenPlugs also contain an antibacterial compound which further protects your ears. Although moulded earplugs don't come in silver or ivory, they do come in a range of funky colours to suit your mood.
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