Thank you for all your responses. I am glad I posted my question as I
received a lot of helpful information.

I noticed that the silicone ear plugs that I have only block out 21
decibels and the foam ear plugs had a noise reduction rating of 34
decibels. I have a problem with foam ear plugs staying in my ear! They
always fall out.

Then, you are not installing them correctly.

You roll them into a small cylinder then insert them as deeply as you can. If
you hit your ear drum, pull them out slightly. Hold them in until they expand.





Anyway, after some searching, I found the following silicone ear plugs
that have a noise reduction rating of 34 decibels!
(http://www.earplugsonline.com/index.html) so I ordered a pair.

They sound interesting, but it doesn't seem that they are made of silicone.
Beeswax, Lanolin and Cotton. These sound like the plugs that I used to get from
the army for shooting.

I suppose the only problem is that it states the silicone can easily
mould into the ear canal - I thought it wasn't recommended to mould them
right into the ear canal. I hope that by sealing the outer ear, this
will still block out 34 decibels otherwise I could have just achieved
the same effect using the silicone ear plugs from the local chemist that
advertise a NNR of 21.

For any ear plug to work well, it must mold to the ear canal.


How silicone ear molds are fitted is extremely important. It also matters that
they are fitted deep enough down the ear canal.


I have seen Silicone plugs that far exceed
21dB of noise reduction.



Anyway, thanks again for your help, I know enough to know that noise
cancelling ear phones is not what I need.

Thanks again!









Richard H. Kuschel
"I canna change the law of physics."-----Scotty