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How To Wear Soft Foam Earplugs
Keywords: Earplugs Ears
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!
1. Roll
Roll the earplug up into a small, thin "snake" with your fingers. You can use one or both hands.
Step 3 - Hold
2. Pull
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
Hold the earplug in with your finger until it expands to fill the ear canal. Your voice will sound muffled when the plug has made a good seal.
Step 3 - Hold

**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.
Spanish version
This guide is also available in Spanish: Cómo ponerse los tapones de oídos de espuma blanda
See Also
The Consequences of 'Leaky' Enclosures
The Effect of an Insertion Lubricant on the Noise Attenuation of Foam Earplugs
How to Wear Soft Foam Earplugs (Roll-Pull-Hold)
International Noise Awareness Day
MultiFit4: An Improved System for Insert-Type
NIOSH Tools For Hearing Loss Prevention Programs
Technology News 534 - QuickFit Earplug Test Device
Page last reviewed: March 23, 2022
Page last updated: March 23, 2022
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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