Ear Mufflers

Bomb bursts and gun cracks are not the only war noises that shatter or dull the mechanism of the human ear (TIME, Nov. 2). The racket and roar of heavy machinery is also a menace. To quell such clamor, some workers use plugs of cotton, rags, rubber, wax. These are not always sanitary, are sometimes dangerous.

They are now being replaced in a number of industries by made-to-measure ear mufflers of smooth plastic, put out by Manhattan's Maico, Inc., an adaptation of their main product--hearing aids. An impression is taken of the outer folds and canal entrance of the ear. From this cast a polished plastic plug is made which extends into the auditory canal, is locked in place by a lip which fits over the helix (rim of the external ear). Light and clean, the plug is easily inserted with a twisting motion, cannot be pushed in too far, leaves sufficient leeway to equalize air pressures.

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