NIOSH Mining Safety and Health Content

How To Wear Soft Foam Earplugs


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To get the best protection from your soft foam earplugs, remember to roll, pull, and hold when putting them in. Use clean hands to keep from getting dirt and germs into your ears!

Step 1 - Roll

1. 

Roll

the earplug up into a small, thin "snake" with your fingers. You can use one or both hands.
Step 2 - Pull  

2. 

Pull

the top of your ear up and back with your opposite hand to straighten out your ear canal. The rolled-up earplug should slide right in.
  Step 3 - Hold  

3. 

Hold

the earplug in with your finger. Count to 20 or 30 out loud while waiting for the plug to expand and fill the ear canal. Your voice will sound muffled when the plug has made a good seal.

Check the fit when you're all done. Most of the foam body of the earplug should be within the ear canal. Try cupping your hands tightly over your ears. If sounds are much more muffled with your hands in place, the earplug may not be sealing properly. Take the earplug out and try again.

Roll-Pull-Hold video frame Roll-Pull-Hold Video

Page last updated: October 21, 2008
Page last reviewed: November 30, 2008
Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Mining Division