If engineering and administrative controls are not possible, then proper protective hearing protection shall be provided. Since the principal entrance for sound pressure on the eardrum is through the external ear canal, blocking the passage of sound waves to the eardrum provides an effective method of reducing the sound pressure reaching the inner ear. Two types of ear protection are ear plugs and ear muffs. A. Ear Plugs 1. It is important to match the frequency band of the ear plug to the noise hazard.
Ear plugs are effective only if properly seated.
Instruct the employees to insert the plugs by teaching them to pull the ear up and back. Inserting ear plugs will not damage the ear nor will wearing them damage the ear canal or ear drum if both are done according to instructions. If ear plugs do not fit tightly, they will not provide protection. Ear plugs may be uncomfortable for a few days, but like anything new, employees will eventually get used to them. Ear plugs should be washed in soapy warm water every three to four days.