title: Is Blu-tack as effective at attenuating sound as over-the-counter ear plugs?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To demonstrate that Blu-tack is equally effective at attenuating sound as over-the-counter ear plugs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nineteen healthy volunteers had their hearing thresholds assessed before and after the insertion of over-the-counter ear plugs. The results were compared with hearing thresholds following the insertion of Blu-tack. Thresholds were tested at: 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 kHz. The differences were compared, and p values of less than 0.02 were regarded as significant. Using a visual analogue scale, volunteers were asked to assess the comfort and ease of insertion of the ear plugs and Blu-tack, and their peace of mind whilst using the ear plugs and Blu-tack.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Blu-tack was less effective at attenuating sound at low frequencies, but was as effective as over-the-counter ear plugs at attenuating sound above 3 kHz. Blu-tack was significantly more comfortable to wear (p = 0.006). There was no difference in terms of ease of insertion and peace of mind.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Blu-tack can be regarded as a comfortable alternative to over-the-counter ear plugs for the attenuation of everyday sound.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Trust, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Watson
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Trainor
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Camilleri
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004430:Ear Protective Devices / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013016:Sound / Q000009:adverse effects; D055815:Young Adult