This International Noise Awareness Day 2021, ignore the images showing people clapping their hands over their ears to block out loud noise. This doesn’t lower sound levels.
Hands are NOT earmuffs.
If possible, use your index finger plugs to block out loud or uncomfortable sounds. Finger plugs lower sound levels and protect hearing about the same as well fit earplugs.
Obviously, finger plugs work best for short or unexpected noise exposures, e.g. thunder storm.
For other loud exposures, we should be using proper hearing protection, like earplugs or earmuffs.
Are we teaching kids the right way to protect their hearing health?
It’s hard when the media is so full of images showing people with useless hands over their ears instead of using their finger plugs.
Jan L. Mayes 