Follow the steps below to safely insert foam earplugs for maximum hearing protection: 1. Take the ear plug between your thumb, first, and middle fingers, with the tapered end at your fingertips. 2. Squeeze the foam, rolling slightly back and forth between your fingers. 3. With your opposite hand, reach around your head to the ear you will be inserting the plug into. 4. To open your ear canal, pull your ear up, and backward gently. 5. With the plug compressed, insert it into your ear with a slight twisting motion, and gently hold it in place while the foam expands to fill your ear canal.