Choosing the Right Earplug
It is important to select the proper ear plug for your specific job and need. The protection provided by an earplug is specified by a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) ranging between 15-35 decibels. The higher the rating of an earplug the greater protection it will provide. Generally, the level of protection that can be expected is within the 10-20 decibel range. Proper use and implementation of the earplug, will also determine the level of protection that you receive, so although they may be uncomfortable, it is important to wear them to prevent short and long-term damage to your hearing.
Earplug Protection Types
Foam Earplugs
Foam ear plugs are designed with slow-recovery, expanding foam and offer both protection and comfort. Compressing the ear plug and properly inserting them into the ear, will provide a secure and custom fit and protection of your ear. Due to the low cost and usability of foam ear plugs, they are the most commonly used earplugs that are available.
How to Use Disposable Ear plugs:
First, slowly compress and roll your foam ear plug into a thin, crease free cylinder and compress between your thumb and index finger. Once compressed, place the ear plug into your ear canal. A useful tip is to reach around with your opposite hand and pull the ear out and up as you are inserting the ear plug.
Premolded Reusable Earplugs
Earplugs that are reusable are made from flexible materials and are pre-formed to fit the ear. Although they are slightly more expensive, they can end up being more cost effective as they can be washed and reused several times before they are thrown out.
How to insert Reusable Earplugs:
With your opposite hand, reach around and pull on the ear you are placing the ear plug into and pull up and outward on the ear. Insert the ear plug until you feel that it is properly sealed. If you are not use to wearing earplugs they can seem tight and uncomfortable, but the tighter and more sealed the plug, the greater the protection to your hearing. For removal, simply twist and pull the reusable earplug, wash and store in a safe and clean place until needed again.
Earmuffs
Earmuff ear protectors are designed with rigid plastic or metal cups and soft plastic cushions that seal and protect the ears. Earmuffs are available in single or multi-position bands, and can also be purchased in specific styles and configurations that can be connected to hard hats. Earmuff cushions are filled with foam, liquid, or a combination of the two. If you are expecting to sustain elongated exposure to loud noise or sound, it is recommended that you wear earmuff protectors and earplugs (dual protection) which can provide an additional 5-10 dB of noise and sound reduction.
How to use Earmuffs:
To obtain maximum hearing protection, Earmuff hearing protectors need to fully cover the ears and create a seal against the head. Adjusting the headband will allow for optimum noise protection by maintaining even cushion pressure around the ears.
The muffs must fully enclose the ears to seal against the head. Adjust the headband so cushions exert even pressure around the ears to get the best noise reduction. Pull hair back and out from beneath the cushions. Don’t store pencils or wear caps under cushions. Thick or poorly fitting eyeglass templates may also cause some loss in noise reduction.
