Foam earplugs, typically made from compressible polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride, are an effective method for hearing protection. Their function is to reduce the volume of incoming sound by physically blocking the ear canal. To achieve the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), the user must ensure the earplug creates a complete seal inside the ear. An improper fit compromises the device’s ability to protect hearing against damaging noise levels.
Preparing the Earplug for Insertion
Before handling the earplug, ensure your hands are clean to prevent transferring dirt or bacteria into the ear canal. The next step is to compress the foam material using the “roll-down” method. Roll the earplug between your thumb and forefinger into a tight, crease-free cylinder.
Compressing the foam to its smallest possible diameter is necessary so it can slide easily and deeply into the ear canal. Roll the earplug lengthwise into a thin cylinder. If the foam is not fully compressed, it will begin to expand prematurely and will not seat correctly.
The Crucial Insertion Technique
Once the foam is tightly compressed, the ear canal must be straightened to allow for deep insertion. Use the hand opposite the ear you are working on, reaching over your head to gently pull the outer ear, or pinna, upward and backward. This maneuver aligns the naturally curved ear canal, creating a clear path.
Without letting the compressed plug expand, immediately slide the thin cylinder well into the straightened ear canal. Approximately three-quarters of the foam body should be inside the ear, leaving only a small portion visible. After insertion, use your fingertip to hold the plug in place for about 20 to 30 seconds. This hold time allows the slow-recovery foam to fully re-expand and create a sealed barrier within the ear canal.
Ensuring Proper Fit and Removal
A correctly seated earplug will significantly muffle sound, making your own voice sound deeper or quieter. You can check the fit by cupping your hands tightly over your ears; if the sound level does not noticeably decrease further, the seal is likely adequate. The plug should feel snug but not cause discomfort or pressure, and it should not protrude far past the opening of the ear canal.
To safely remove the earplug, always use a slow, gentle twisting motion. Twisting helps to gradually break the vacuum seal the expanded foam has created within the ear canal. Rapidly yanking the plug out can create suction, which may be uncomfortable or even damaging to the sensitive structures of the inner ear. If the plug is difficult to remove, pulling down on the earlobe can sometimes help it “walk” its way out.
When to Dispose of Foam Earplugs
Foam earplugs are disposable and should be replaced when they show signs of degradation or contamination. They are made of porous materials that absorb earwax, moisture, and dirt, making them a potential breeding ground for bacteria. Discard the earplugs if they become visibly soiled, develop an odor, or show tears or cracks. If the foam loses elasticity and no longer compresses into a tight cylinder or fails to fully expand, its effectiveness is compromised and it must be replaced.