SPERIAN Protection says earplugs which offer too much hearing protection are just as harmful as earplugs which offer too little protection.
Choosing the appropriate type of earplugs is therefore an important part of effective hearing protection in the workplace.
According to Howard Leight, many workers choose to compromise their hearing protection in order to hear their co-workers, warning signals and machinery noises.
Roll-down foam earplugs, such as the Laser Lite or the 300 Series will only provide adequate protection when they are rolled and inserted into the ear properly. Using clean hands, they should be rolled down into a small crease-free cylinder, and inserted into the ear canal.
Earplugs can be inserter much easier and effectively if the outer ear is pulled outward and upward to straighten the ear canal. Once the earplug has been properly inserted, the earplug should be held in position for 30 to 60 seconds while the foam expands and holds the earplug in place.
Alternatively, new hybrid push-in style earplugs such as the Pilot feature a moulded ‘navigation’ stem which glides the earplug into the ear canal for a quick and snug fit.