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Comment by e12e | Hacker News Reader

The problem as I understand it, is that the skin in the ears isn't really tough enough to stick something in there for too long. Reportedly US marines abandoned those linked above, as troops started bleeding from their ears after a certain number of hours of use. Now, that was probably 20 hours+ - not really a problem if used only for sleep or only for work. But for any kind of 24/7 use, something molded to the outer ears is probably better.

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"...is that the skin in the ears isn't really tough enough to stick something in there for too long…"

I use earplugs every night. The ones I think are most comfortable block up to 38 db at low frequencies and 48 db for high frequencies. They are really soft - and I mean: really. I sleep like a baby (and I don't miss my alarm in the morning). Still, in case of fire during a REM phase, I probably will die ;o).

I also have professional plugs from the acoustician that were fitted to my ears, but they are much harder (silicone). Those I can wear during the day (underground, bus etc.) but not during the night. They do hurt the ears brutally. The little movements that happen, when the ear rubs the pillow are sufficient to cause severe pain.

There are a lot of weird plastic shapes to the Quietpro design that I can see irritating and making someone's ear bleed. If it was the foam causing people to bleed, I'd find that very strange as there are millions of people that use earplugs for hours and hours on end with no problem :/

Maybe i wasn't clear: the problem appears for troops that use them in war zones: essentially days on end, not merely hours. If it was just the foam type used, I'm sure they'd try and mix it up with something more soft. That was a huge contract that was partially cancelled.

Hmm, yeah. That's some pretty interesting insights though! Thanks for sharing. Then it wasn't the foam, it's probably that their ears got irritated from that plastic housing - I've learned a LOT about designing for the ear these past months and that shape is not ergonomic, haha!

I've always worn hearing aids, with ear moulds. They're worn all the time, except for sleep. Other deaf people I know, wear them while sleeping for some odd reason. I couldn't fathom to wear anything while sleeping!

They've never made my ears bleed, nor anyone else I know.

Maybe troops should wear properly fitted moulds :)

Well, you do take them out 8 hours of the day then. Here we're talking 24/7 in dry desert heat.

My ears get irritated after using foam earplugs for a few night in a row.

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