Patent Publication Number: US-2005135650-A1

Title: Earplug training device and earplug dispensing mechanism having the same

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION  
      The invention generally concerns hearing protection devices and, more particularly, concerns a device which provides instruction and/or training regarding earplugs, an earplug dispensing mechanism incorporating the earplug training device, and a method of dispensing earplugs.  
     DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART  
      The need for individual hearing protection in industrial and other occupational and recreational settings is well established. The prior art is replete with hearing protection devices, including earplugs, earmuffs, semi-insert devices, full-head helmets, etc. Earplugs are often preferred for the sound attenuating and comfort properties provided thereby.  
      Compressible, slow-recovery foam earplugs, as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,715 to Knauer, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, are widely used to provide hearing protection. Such foam earplugs, commonly known as “roll-down” type earplugs, are typically composed of a homogenous slow recovery polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane (PU) material and include a substantially circular cross-section which is larger than a cross-section of the average earcanal.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 1-6 , to properly insert a roll-down earplug  2  in an earcanal  4 , the plug  2  is first compressed by slowly rolling the plug  2  between the thumb  6  and opposing fingers  8  of one or both hands  10 . This rolling compresses the earplug  2  and reduces its original diameter to a new diameter which is less than that of the earcanal  4 . While the earplug  2  is still compressed, a first end thereof is inserted into the opening of the earcanal  4  and the earplug  8  is passed well into the canal  4 . To aid deep insertion, the outer portion, or pinna  12 , of the ear  14  may be pulled upward and outward from the head to straighten and better expose the earcanal  4 . This technique is particularly shown in  FIG. 6 . Once fully inserted, the pinna  12  is released and the earplug  2  is allowed to expand within the earcanal  4  to fully occlude the earcanal  4  and thus obstruct the passage of sound therethrough.  
      The relationship between proper earcanal fit of roll-down earplugs and their maximum performance as sound attenuators, is well known. See, e.g., Laboratory Attenuation of Earmuffs and Earplugs Both Singly and in Combination,  Am. Ind. Hyg. J.  44(5), 321-329 (1983). As mentioned, roll-down earplugs attenuate sound by causing an occlusion deep within the earcanal, thus obstructing the passage of sound therethrough. However, when the earplug is improperly fitted within the earcanal, full occlusion is not achieved. Attenuation is reduced because of the reduced surface area of contact of the plug with the earcanal walls. Furthermore, if the plug is improperly rolled and compressed, creases can occur on the surface of the plug which act as sound channels and permit the leakage of sound into the canal, further degrading protection.  
      Attempts have been made at ensuring proper fit of roll-down earplugs. Regulatory agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Heath Administration (OSHA) and the Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) have promulgated doctrine requiring employers of employees exposed certain workplace noise to develop hearing conservation programs and regularly train such employees on proper use, handling, and fitting of hearing protection devices.  
      Accordingly, many of these employers implement workplace training sessions concerning proper insertion of roll-down foam earplugs and provide literature accentuating the same. Such training sessions may be provided before, during, or after working hours, formally in a classroom setting, or informally on the workplace floor. Such instructional literature may be provided in common workplace areas, for example at tool cribs, or in cafeterias or other training spaces, or disseminated to individual employees.  
      However, earplug insertion training sessions are only effective if the instructor is competent, the sessions are attended, and the attendees pay attention to and comprehend the particular instructions. In any event, training sessions are often offered only sporadically and fail to serve as repetitive training mechanisms.  
      Earplug insertion literature which is posted in common workplace areas may easily go unnoticed while individually disseminated literature may quickly be discarded and, moreover, even if such literature is read by the relevant employees, it may not be understood.  
      Further, these instruction sessions and instructional literature may also include information of additional hearing protection devices not of concern to earplug wearing employees. Thus, proper earplug insertion instruction may be lost amidst verbose explanation germane to earmuffs, semi-inserts, etc. Additionally, the instructional and literature based techniques are expensive and detract from working time thus degrading overall efficiency without ensuring proper absorption and retention of the proper earplug insertion procedures.  
      As mentioned, performance and comfort of roll-down foam earplugs can be dramatically improved by a full and effective insertion. However, few people grasp the details of roll-down and insertion techniques that will lead to maximal effectiveness. Two separate skills are required, namely rolling and preparing the plug for insertion and then inserting it into the earcanal, a hole on the side of the head that can never been seen. Thus the ability to practice rolling, independent of insertion is a valuable learning aid.  
      A final aspect to consider is Applicant&#39;s experience in 30 years of selling foam earplugs which indicates that few can conceive of how tightly and fully compressed a plug must be for optimal insertion. Yet, once they learn the process, an enlightening or “a—ha” experience occurs, like learning to ride a two-wheel bicycle, and thereafter the user can learn through practice to repeat the simple process.  
      Accordingly, a readily available, effective, and efficient device for training users in preferred use of compressible foam earplugs, and particularly for training users in insertion preparation of foam earplugs, is desired.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The invention provides an earplug training device, including a thin sheet portion having a front surface and an opposing rear surface, and a substantially circular hole formed in the thin sheet portion, the hole traversing through the sheet portion from the front surface to the rear surface, where the substantially circular hole enables a user to practice roll down preparation of the earplug.  
      In another embodiment of the invention, an earplug training device includes a thin sheet portion, a manually interactive portion disposed on the thin sheet portion, where the manually interactive portion provides a user with hands on instruction and/or training in a use of the earplug.  
      An earplug dispenser is further provided, the dispenser including a container for storing and dispensing earplugs, and a substantially circular hole formed in an outer surface of the container; wherein the substantially circular hole enables a user to practice roll down preparation of an earplug.  
      In another embodiment of the invention, an earplug dispenser, includes a container for storing and dispensing earplugs, a manually interactive portion disposed at an outer surface of the container; wherein the manually interactive portion provides a user with hands-on instruction and/or training in a use of the earplugs.  
      Also, a method of dispensing earplugs is disclosed, including providing the earplugs at an interior of a container, allowing a user to access the earplugs at the interior, and providing the user with hands-on instruction and/or training in a use of the earplugs at a manually interactive portion disposed at the container. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alike in the several FIGURES:  
       FIGS. 1-4  are perspective views of a user preparing an earplug for earcanal insertion;  
       FIG. 5  is a view of a user inserting an earplug in an earcanal, the ear and earcanal are shown in section;  
       FIG. 6  is another perspective view of a user inserting an earplug in an earcanal;  
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an earplug training device;  
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an earplug;  
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the earplug of  FIG. 8  in a rolled-down, compressed state;  
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the earplug training device;  
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the earplug training device;  
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an earplug dispenser;  
       FIG. 13  is an enlarged side elevational view thereof;  
       FIG. 14  is an enlarged perspective view of an aperture thereof;  
       FIG. 15  is an enlarged perspective view of the aperture of  FIG. 14  in another embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 16  is an enlarged side elevational view of another embodiment of the earplug dispenser;  
       FIG. 17  is an enlarged side elevational view thereof in another embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an earplug dispenser in another embodiment of the invention; and  
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an earplug dispenser in another embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       FIG. 7  shows an earplug training device  20  in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The training device  20  includes a manually interactive portion  22  on a front face of the training device  20 .  
      The manually interactive portion  22  is intended herein and throughout the present description to indicate a portion of the training device  20  where a user may partake in manual, hands-on training and/or practicing concerning use of earplugs, and particularly concerning preferred earplug pre-insertion preparation techniques, for example earplug roll down preparation as described herein, and/or earcanal insertion techniques. That is, the manually interactive portion  22  serves as an interface which provides the user with a tactile, manual, and/or tangible means of practicing proper earplug pre-insertion preparation and/or assisting in actual earplug insertion.  
      In the present embodiment, the manually interactive portion  22  comprises a first aperture  24  and an adjacent second aperture  26 . The apertures  24  and  26  are substantially circular holes having diameters A and B, respectively. The diameter A is approximately 0.26 inches and the diameter B is approximately 0.20 inches. The apertures  24  and  26  traverse through a thickness T of the training device  20 . That is, the apertures  24  and  26  open at opposite front and rear sides of the training device  20 . The manually interactive portion  22  further includes indicia  28  disposed proximate to the apertures  24 ,  26 .  
      The training device  20  as shown embodied in  FIG. 7  also includes a text portion  30  and illustrations  32  disposed adjacent the manually interactive portion  22 .  
      The thickness dimension T of the earplug training device  20  is relatively small, for example, 0.05 inches to 0.25 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the training device is essentially a thin sheet composed of any sufficient material including paper, corrugated board, a plastic, a metal, compositions thereof, etc.  
      The earplug training device  20 , in essence, provides a tool for training a user concerning a preferred technique for preparing an earplug  34 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , for insertion into the earcanal. The earplug  34  comprises a homogenous slow-recovery foam “roll-down” type earplug with a cross-sectional diameter C. The earplug  34  is composed of any suitable foam material including, but not limited to, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), etc.  
      In use, generally, the earplug  34  is first compressed, preferably by rolling about a longitudinal axis thereof, such that a reduced diameter D is achieved. See,  FIG. 9 . Then, with one hand pulling upward and outward on a pinna portion of the ear, the compressed reduced diameter earplug  34  is inserted deeply into the earcanal, and allowed therein to expand, thus occluding the canal. A proper crease-fee and very tight compression of the earplug  34  is essential to attain the reduced diameter D and thus facilitate proper insertion.  
      The earplug training device  20  allows a user to practice attaining the reduced diameter D of the earplug  34  desired for preferred insertion of the earplug  34  into the earcanal. Namely, the first aperture  24  with diameter A (≈0.26″) is equal to or slightly smaller than the desired diameter D. The second aperture  26  with diameter B (≈0.20″) is even smaller still than the desired compressed earplug diameter D and smaller than the diameter A of the aperture  24 . Accordingly, a user may practice preparing the earplug  34  for earcanal insertion by first rolling down or otherwise compressing the earplug  34  and then attempting to insert the compressed earplug  34  into the first aperture  24 . If the earplug  34  is easily received within aperture  24 , then it is apparent that at least the preferred compressed diameter D has been achieved. The user may then, in addition to or in the alternative, attempt to insert the compressed earplug  34  into the second aperture  26 . If the compressed earplug  34  is readily received within the second aperture  26 , then it is apparent that the earplug  34  is compressed even smaller than the desired diameter D and, thus, the earplug will be even easier to insert properly.  
      The indicia  28  disposed on the earplug training device  20  proximate the apertures  24  and  26  is designed to assist the user in interpreting the results of their attempts at inserting the compressed earplug  34  into the apertures  24  and  26 . In on exemplary embodiment, the indicia  28  adjacent the first aperture  24  reads, “Good”, and the indicia  28  proximate the second aperture  26  reads, “Better”. Thus, when insertion into the first aperture  24  is achieved, the user is informed that the compressed earplug is satisfactory or good. Further, upon insertion into the second aperture, the user is appraised that the compressed earplug is even more preferred or better.  
      The text portion  30  and the illustrations  32  disposed adjacent the manually interactive portion  22  are designed to support the training and instruction provided by the manually interactive portion  22 . Specifically, the text  30  and illustrations  32  comprise instructions, explanations, and other information concerning: preparing the earplug  34  for earcanal insertion; actually inserting the earplug  34  into the earcanal; and/or using the manually interactive portion  22  and interpreting the results thereof.  
      The manually interactive portion  22  has thus far been described as providing a means for a user to practice preparing the earplug  34  for insertion into the earcanal. Additionally, the manually interactive portion  22  may be utilized by the user in actually inserting the earplug  34  into the earcanal. That is, to insert the earplug  34 , the user may engage the earplug training device  20  and first consult with the text portion  30  and accompanying illustrations  32  which instruct the user in the preferred insertion procedure. Following the instructions and explanations of the text  30  and illustrations  32 , the user rolls-down and compresses the earplug  34  and attempts insertion into apertures  24  and/or  26 . If insertion into one of the apertures  24 ,  26  is achieved, then the user inserts the compressed earplug  34  into the earcanal. If, on the other hand, aperture insertion is not achieved, the user knows that the earplug  34  is not compressed properly and earcanal insertion not attempted. Instead, the earplug is re-rolled and compressed until aperture insertion, and the desired diameter D, is achieved. Then, earcanal insertion is performed. Once the desired diameter D is indeed achieved, it is essential that the user promptly inserts the earplug to ensure that the plug, in its preferred compressed state, enters the earcanal. Thus, the manually interactive portion  22  advises the user to insert the properly compressed earplug in a timely manner and to maintain the diameter D of the earplug while transferring the earplug from the manually interactive portion  22  to the earcanal.  
       FIG. 10  shows an earplug training device  40  in another embodiment of the invention. Please note, like elements and features of the various embodiments of the invention are designated herein and throughout by consistent reference numerals.  
      The device  40  includes the manually interactive portion  22 , the text portion  30 , and the illustrations  32 . Here, the manually interactive portion  22  includes first through fourth apertures  42 ,  44 ,  46 , and  48 , respectively, of serially decreasing diameter. The first aperture  42  includes the diameter A discussed previously as being approximately 0.26 inches. The fourth aperture  48  includes the diameter B discussed previously as being approximately 0.20 inches. The intervening second and third apertures have diameters X and Y of approximately 0.24 inches and approximately 0.22 inches, respectively. The manually interactive portion  22  further includes the indicia  28  which comprises the following words, or the like, disposed adjacent each of the apertures  42 ,  44 ,  46 , and  48 , respectively: “Good”; “Better”; “Best”; and “Amazing”.  
      Here again, the earplug training device  40  is preferably utilized by a user to practice preparing the earplug  34  for earcanal insertion. That is, the user first compresses the earplug  34  by rolling-down the same. Then, the user attempts to insert the compressed earplug into one of the apertures  42 ,  44 ,  46 , or  48 . If aperture insertion is successful, the user knows that the diameter of the compressed earplug is sufficient for facilitating preferred earcanal insertion. Moreover, the user is advised by the indicia  28  as to the degree of sufficiency of the rolled down earplug  34 . Particularly, the user is appraised that insertion of the compressed earplug  34  into the aperture  42  is good or satisfactory, insertion into aperture  44  is more preferred, insertion into aperture  46  is even more preferred, and so on.  
       FIG. 11  shows an earplug training device  50  in another embodiment of the invention. The device  50  comprises the manually interactive portion  22 , the text portion  30 , and the illustrations  32 . The manually interactive portion  22  includes the apertures  42 ,  44 ,  46 , and  48  discussed above and additional apertures  52 ,  54 ,  56 , and  58  disposed proximate apertures  42 ,  44 ,  46 , and  48 . The apertures  52 ,  54 ,  56 , and  58  are substantially circular holes formed through the device  20  and include serially decreasing diameters such as, for example, approximately 0.28, 0.30, 0.45, and 0.47 inches, respectively.  
      The apertures  52 ,  54 ,  56 , and  58  are intended to represent a range of earcanal diameter sizes of an average population. Particularly, the largest aperture  52  corresponds to the largest earcanal diameter and the smallest of the apertures  58  represents the smallest earcanal, on average. These largest and smallest apertures  52  and  58  are indicated accordingly by indicia  28 , such as, for example, “XL+” and “XS−”, respectively. The remaining apertures  54  and  56  represent the second to largest and the second to smallest earcanal, on average. These apertures  54  and  56  are labeled with appropriate indicia  28  such as, “XL” and “XS”.  
      The earplug training device  50  is preferably utilized by a user, similar to the devices described above, to practice preparing the earplug  34  for earcanal insertion. Additionally, the training device  50  allows the user to determine the capability of a chosen earplug with respect to the various earcanal sizes represented by apertures  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 .  
      That is, the user may engage the device  50  to practice rolling-down and compressing the earplug  34 , as is described in detail above. Additionally or alternatively, the user may insert the compressed earplug  34  into one of the sizing apertures  52 ,  54 ,  56 , and  58 . If such earplug  34  is successfully inserted, then it is apparent to the user that the earplug  34  is of sufficient size to facilitate insertion into the earcanal size designated by the particular aperture  52 ,  54 ,  56 , or  58 . Further, the user may then allow the inserted earplug  34  to expand within and fill the particular aperture  52 ,  54 ,  56 , or  58 . If, in its fully expanded state, the earplug  34  still fits tightly within the aperture, the user may conclude that the earplug  34  is of sufficient size to occlude the indicated earcanal size. If, to the contrary, the earplug  34  is not capable of insertion into the particular aperture  52 ,  54 ,  56 , or  58 , or if the earplug  34  may be inserted but does not result in a tight fit in the aperture after expansion, then the user is advised that the earplug is not suited for the specified earcanal size.  
      While several embodiments of the earplug training device of the invention have been shown and described herein, clearly, other embodiments, variations, and combination thereof are contemplated. For example, a training device of the invention may include any number of the apertures  24 ,  26 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  52 ,  54 ,  56 , and  58  and such apertures may be of any size or shape suitable for a particular application. The device of the invention may further include additional apertures of various sizes and shape, as desired.  
      As mentioned above, the thickness T of the earplug training devices  20 ,  40 , and  50  is relatively small, for example between 0.05 inches and 0.25 inches. In one embodiment, the devices  20 ,  40 , and  50  comprise a piece of paper or a thin piece of cardboard. The devices  20 ,  40 , and  50  may be sized as desired, for example including a height H of 2.0 inches and a width W of 3.50 inches such that the device  20 ,  40 ,  50  approximates the size of a standard business card. Such device  20 ,  40 ,  50  may be readily distributed, carried, and accessed as necessary. Alternatively, H may be 8.5 inches and W may be 11 inches such that the device  20 ,  40 ,  50  approximates a standard sheet of paper. Still further, the device  20 ,  40 ,  50  may be smaller or larger as desired.  
      In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention,  FIG. 12  shows an earplug dispenser  100  having the earplug training device  20  integrated on a side thereof. The dispenser  100  includes a body  104  having an access portion  106  at an outer surface of the body  104 . The access portion  106  allows a user to access and obtain a plurality of the earplugs  34  disposed and contained within the body  104  of the dispenser  100 .  
      The body  104  of the dispenser  100  may be rectilinear in shape and may be composed of corrugated board, plastic, etc. The body  104  is designed to be disposed in a free-standing manner, for example on a tabletop, or, alternatively, the body  104  may be designed to be mounted on a wall. In the latter case, the body  104  may include mounting hardware and/or fittings to facilitate said mounting.  
      The access portion  106  of the body  104  comprises a hole formed therethrough creating an access way to an interior of the body  104 . The access portion  106  is preferably disposed on the outer surface of the body  104  in a visible and readily accessible location, for example on a front face of the body  104  as shown in  FIG. 12 . Access to the interior of the body  104  via the access portion  106  may be selectively limited by a door  110  pivotally attached to the body  104  proximate to the access portion  106 . In one embodiment, the door  110  is attached to the outer surface of the body portion  104  by a living hinge at a bottom of the access portion  106  and is manually pivotal between an open position in which the earplugs  34  at an interior of body  104  are accessible and a closed position where access to the interior is prohibited.  
      The earplug training device  20  is disposed on the outer surface of the body  104  in a visibly distinct and readily accessible location, for example, on a side of the body  104  as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . The device  20  may be affixed to the side of the dispenser  100  in some manner, for example by a bonding agent such as glue, or, more preferably, the device  20  may be formed integrally with the body  104 .  
      As discussed above, the apertures  24  and  26  of the training device  20  comprise substantially circular holes having various diameters A and B, respectively. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 14 , the apertures  24  and  26  extend through the side of the body  104  and thus open to the interior of the body  104 . Here, the apertures  24 ,  26  are simply die cut into the material composing the body  104 . In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 15 , aperture  24 ,  26  comprises a three-dimensional depression or hole formed into the outer surface of the body  104  of the dispenser  100 . Here, the hole extends a predetermined distance into the body  104  and then terminates therein. The aperture  24 ,  26  in this embodiment may be formed integrally with the outer surface of the body  104  or may be a separate piece fixed to the body  104 . In this latter configuration, the aperture  24 ,  26  may comprise a plastic or rubber unit, perhaps resembling a thimble, which is set into a hole pre-formed in the outer surface of the body  104  and then bonded to the outer surface or inner surface with a bonding agent, such as a glue. In the embodiment of  FIG. 15 , the depth of the aperture  24 ,  26  may be sized to represent a desired depth of earplug insertion into an earcanal of a user.  
      The earplug dispenser  100  is used to dispense the foam roll-down earplugs  34  contained with the body  104  of the dispenser  100  to a user. Additionally, the dispenser  100 , via the earplug training device  20 , provides a manually interactive tool for training a user concerning use of the dispensed earplugs  34 .  
      That is, the user first approaches the dispenser  100  and obtains the earplugs  34  by placing the door  110  in the open position and then reaching through the access portion  106  into the interior of the body  104 . One or more of the earplugs  34  are manually grasped and then withdrawn from the body  104 .  
      Once the earplugs  34  are extracted, the user turns to the earplug training device  20  of the dispenser  100 . The user may then utilize the device  20 , as discussed in detail above, to practice preparing the earplug  34  for earcanal insertion or to actually prepare and insert the earplug into the earcanal. Please see above description referring to  FIGS. 1-11 . Particularly, once the earplug  34  is obtained from the dispenser  100 , the user may practice preparing the earplug  34  for earcanal insertion by first rolling down or otherwise compressing the earplug  34  and then attempting to insert the compressed earplug  34  into the first aperture  24 . See,  FIGS. 7-9  and  12 - 15 . If the earplug  34  is easily received within aperture  24 , then it is apparent that at least the preferred compressed diameter D has been achieved. The user may then, in addition to or in the alternative, attempt to insert the compressed earplug  34  into the second aperture  26 . If the compressed earplug  34  is readily received within the second aperture  26 , then it is apparent that the earplug  34  is compressed even smaller still than the desired diameter D and, thus, the earplug will be even easier to insert properly. The user may then proceed to insert the earplug in the earcanal, if desired, by maintaining the achieved earplug compression and inserting the plug into the canal as described in detail herein.  
      Where the inset aperture  24 ,  26  of  FIG. 15  is utilized, the resulting dispenser  100  allows the user to practice inserting the earplugs  34  in the apertures  24 ,  26  to a preferred earcanal insertion depth. That is, the user may roll-down and compress the earplug  34  and then insert the same as far as possible into the apertures  24 ,  26 . The resulting insertion exemplifies the preferred earcanal insertion depth and also indicates to the user an extent of the earplug  34  which is preferably visible when the earplug  34  is seated fully within the inset aperture  24 ,  26 .  
      The dispenser  100  is shown herein as including the earplug training device  20  for exemplary purposes only. The dispenser  100  may alternatively include the earplug training devices  40  or  50 , as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , respectively. Such earplug dispenser  100  with device  40 ,  50  is utilized similar to the dispenser described above with reference to  FIG. 12 . That is, a user obtains an earplug  34  from the dispenser body  104  and then turns to the device  40 ,  50  for manually interactive training concerning use of the earplug  34 . See description above regarding the devices  40 ,  50  and use thereof.  
      Further,  FIG. 18  shows an alternate embodiment of the earplug dispenser  100  having the access portion  106  and the earplug training device  20  disposed on a front panel of the body  104 . That is, the training device  20  is disposed on the same side of the body  104  as the access portion  106 . Preferably, the training device  20  is disposed proximate the access portion  106  and, for example, just above the access portion  106 .  
       FIG. 19  shows an earplug dispenser  150  according to another embodiment of the invention. Here, the dispenser  150  includes a body  152  which is divided into a plurality of sections  154 ,  156 , and  158  disposed adjacently and fixedly attached to one another. Interiors of the various sections  154 ,  156 , and  158  are distinct, i.e., not in spatial communication. Each interior of distinct section  154 ,  156 , and  158  contains earplugs  160 ,  162 , and  164 , respectively. The dispenser  100  includes a plurality of the access portions  106 , one corresponding to each section  154 ,  156 , and  158 , thus providing direct access to the particular earplugs  160 ,  162 , and  164 . Finally, the dispenser  150  includes the training device  20  disposed on the outer surface of the device so as to be readily visible and accessible to the user, for example, the training device  20  is disposed as shown on a front panel of the dispenser  150 .  
      The earplugs  160 ,  162 , and  164  stored within the body  152  of the dispenser  150  are all roll-down foam earplugs but may each be of a distinct type or may vary by size or by any other characteristic as desired. For example, earplugs  160 ,  162 , and  164  may be of serially smaller sizes, or they may be composed of different types or densities of foam, etc.  
      The earplug dispenser  150  is used to dispense the foam roll-down earplugs  160 ,  162 , and  164  and to provide a tool for training a user concerning use of the dispensed earplugs  34 . The earplug dispenser  150  is used similarly to the dispenser  100  described above. That is, a user obtains one of the earplugs  160 ,  162 , or  164  from the various compartments of the dispenser  150  and then utilizes the training device  20  to practice preparing the earplug for insertion or for actually inserting the earplug into the earcanal.  
      The earplug dispenser  150  may include the aperture  24 ,  26  of  FIG. 14  or  15 . Where the aperture  24 ,  26  of  FIG. 15  is utilized, the resulting dispenser  150  includes the additional training and instructional feature concerning insertion depth of the earplug, as explained in detail above.  
      Of course, the earplug dispenser  150  is shown herein as including the earplug training device  20  for exemplary purposes only. The invention clearly contemplates the dispenser  150  including any of the training devices  20 ,  40 , or  50  or their variations, or any combinations thereof.  
      Further, while the dispenser  150  is shown with three sections  154 ,  156 , and  158 , the invention clearly contemplates the dispenser  150  comprising any number of a plurality of such sections. For example, the dispenser  150  may include two such sections, or four, etc.  
      The earplug training device  20  has thus far been described herein as being fixed on or integrally formed with the dispensers  100  and  150 . However, alternate embodiments of the invention include an earplug dispenser having any of the training devices  20 ,  40 ,  50  tethered to the dispensers  100  or  150  by, for example, a cord.  
      Alternatively, the earplug training device  20 ,  40 ,  50  may comprise a card made of paper or cardboard and having a height and width both of several inches. A plurality of such devices  20 ,  40 ,  50  may be disposed in a holder on or proximate to the dispenser  100 ,  150  such that the devices  20 ,  40 ,  50 , in card form, are distributed to users of the dispenser  100 ,  150 . That is, the user may approach the dispenser  100 ,  150 , obtain an earplug therefrom, and further obtain an earplug training device  20 ,  40 ,  50  therefrom, and thus utilize the device in preparing and inserting the earplug in the earcanal.  
      In another embodiment, a plurality of the devices  20 ,  40 ,  50 , in card-form as described, may be disposed inside of the dispenser amongst the earplugs. Thus, a user may obtain both an earplug and the training device  20 ,  40 ,  50  when accessing the dispenser  100 ,  150 .  
      The invention provides a device which allows a user to partake in manually interactive, hands-on training and/or practicing concerning use of earplugs, and particularly concerning preferred earplug pre-insertion preparation techniques and actual earcanal insertion techniques. As described above, the device provides an interface at which the user may: practice compressing a roll-down earplug to a preferred insertion diameter; determine whether a chosen earplug is sufficiently sized for a specifically sized earcanal; practice inserting an earplug to a proper insertion depth; prepare an earplug for insertion and then insert the earplug into the earcanal; etc.  
      As described, in one embodiment, the device comprises a thin, light-weight, portable item which may take the form of a typical business card, a sheet of paper, etc., such that the device may be carried by the user, posted at a work site, etc. In another embodiment, the invention provides the earplug training device disposed at or near an earplug dispenser. Particularly, the device may be incorporated into a side wall of the dispenser, or may be disposed in a holder on the dispenser and distributed to users therefrom, or the device may be disposed inside the dispenser such that a user obtains both an earplug and the device when accessing the dispenser.  
      Thus, a readily available, effective, and efficient device for training users in preferred use of compressible foam earplugs, and particularly for training users in insertion preparation of foam earplugs, is provided by the invention.  
      While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.