Hearing protection devices must be approved by the Safety Office. Several different types of hearing devices will be made available to employees. The Safety Office will instruct employees in the proper care and use of the devices. Ear plugs are inserted into the outer portion of the ear canal and effectively seal the inner ear. They are made of rubber or plastic and may come with or without strings.
Strings are useful to prevent loss and help keep the plugs clean.
Some come in standard sizes that fit most ears and others are moldable to conform to the ear canal. Ear plugs are small, comfortable, and inexpensive. Because of their comfort, ear plugs are generally recommended in areas that require all day protection. However they can work loose, may not always fit properly, and protection may vary among individuals. Workers should always use clean hands to insert the plugs because they can introduce dirt into the ear canal possibly leading to infections.