Safely using disposable or reusable ear plugs can help prevent hearing loss associated with loud noises from places such as worksites, or when operating certain equipment like chainsaws and leaf blowers.
Proper Fitting and Wearing Ear Plugs
When wearing ear plugs, it's important to use them properly to get the most effective wear and benefits. To use disposable ear plugs, with clean hands, roll the ear plug between your thumb and first two fingers. Don't squeeze the ear plug, rather roll it until the diameter of the ear plug is as small as possible.
Then, reach over your head with your opposite hand and gently pull back your ear to open the ear canal. With your ear canal now open and straightened a little by the tug on your ear, insert the rolled ear plug into your ear. Be sure to leave enough of the ear plug outside your ear so you will have something to grab when it's time to remove it. Before entering the noisy environment, give the ear plugs a chance to expand within your ear for maximum hearing protection. Disposable ear plugs, like those made of soft foam or silicon, should be thrown away after every use. When it's time to use another pair of ear plugs, simply retrieve one from the ear plug dispenser commonly found near environments where hearing protection is required.
If using reusable ear plugs, firmly hold the stem of the ear plug behind the largest, outer-most flange. Repeat the same procedure for installing disposable ear plugs by reaching over your head to gently pull back your ear to open the ear canal. With a slight, gentle twisting motion, insert the rounded tip of the ear plug into your ear canal, leaving just the plug stem outside of the ear. Whether you're using disposable or reusable ear plugs, to comfortably remove them simply pull the plug out with a slight, gentle twisting motion.
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You should always fit the ear plugs so they comfortably seal the ear closed. Once both plugs are in place, check the fit by talking loudly. You should be able to hear your voice and it should sound hollow as if you are talking into a barrel. And the surrounding noises should not be as loud as they were before you put the plugs in your ears.
To check if the ear plug is properly fitted, gently pull on it; it shouldn't easily move. If it does move easily, remove the ear plug and re-insert it deeper into the ear canal. Be sure to re-check the fit often while wearing your ear plugs. If necessary, leave the noisy environment to readjust the fit. Loose or ill-fitted ear plugs won't provide sufficient protection from loud noises, so it's important that they are worn properly.
Cleaning Ear Plugs
To clean reusable ear plugs, fill a small bowl with warm water so you can completely submerge your ear plugs. Then add a few drops of mild soap, such as dish soap, and stir to thoroughly mix the soap and water together. Place the ear plugs in the mixture and allow them to soak for a few minutes to help loosen any build-up on them. If your ear plugs float in the mixture, hold them under water or place an object on them heavy enough to keep them submerged. After a few minutes, gently rub the entire surface area of the ear plugs with your finger or lightly scrape with a toothbrush to remove any wax or dirt that may be present.
Once you've cleaned the ear plugs, rinse them thoroughly with water and allow them to dry completely. If you prefer, you can further clean and disinfect your ear plugs by spraying them lightly with rubbing alcohol from a spray bottle. Once again, let them dry thoroughly before putting them back in their storage case.
Ear plugs that are used regularly should be cleaned whenever wax or dirt is present, or at least every few days. If the ear plugs are used infrequently, they should be washed after every use to prevent bacteria from developing on them while stored in their case between uses.
While disposable ear plugs should be tossed after every use, reusable ear plugs, whether a banded pair or individual plugs, should be replaced every 2 to 4 weeks. This will ensure maximum user safety while offering the most effective performance.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.