HEARING PROTECTION EARPLUGS
This talk reviews how workers should properly use and care for
earplugs to protect their hearing from occupational noise
exposure.
Materials to have on hand:
Examples of the types of earplugs used at your facility
Items for attendees to consider during talk:
What type of earplug is best suited for your job?
Are you taking care of your earplugs properly?
TALK
Have you ever had to shout to be heard by a coworker an arm’s
length away or had difficulty hearing signals or safety warnings?
Have you ever experienced ringing in your ears or temporary
hearing loss when leaving work or headaches from trying to
hear? These are signs that you could be exposed to potentially
damaging noise at work, and you’re not alone. Hearing loss is
one of the most common workplace injuries that affects millions
of workers like you every year.
Fortunately, there are many ways to protect your hearing
despite high levels of workplace noise, including wearing
earplugs. Earplugs are a form of hearing protection that are
inserted into the ear canal. They seal the ear canal and prevent
noise from reaching delicate parts of the ear. If they’re carefully
fitted, earplugs can cut noise levels by up to 20 decibels. For
some perspective, the noise level of a power sander is 85
decibels, and the noise level of a jackhammer is 110 decibels.
There are several types of earplugs that may work best for you.
Disposable and semi disposable. Some kinds of earplugs are
disposable, while others are reusable. Disposable earplugs are
usually made of waxed cotton, acoustical fibers, or other
formable material. They are used once and then thrown away.
Semi disposable plugs are made of formable foam material
designed to expand and conform to the shape of each person’s
ear canal. They can be used for about a week.
To use formable earplugs, slowly roll and compress the plug into
a thin cylinder using clean hands to avoid getting dirt and germs
in your ears. Pull up and back on the top of your ear with the
opposite hand to straighten your ear canal. Insert the
compressed plug into your ear canal and hold your finger against
the earplug until it expands. Your voice will sound muffled when
the plug has made a good seal.
Once your earplugs are in place, check the fit. 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.
Reusable. There are two kinds of reusable plugs:
•Pre-molded plugs are usually made of silicone, rubber, or plastic. They often come in two or more sizes and can be fitted individually to each ear. Have the fit checked after a week if the plugs are not comfortable—you may need a different size plug for each ear. The earplugs should seal the ear canal without being uncomfortable.
Custom-molded plugs are usually made of silicone rubber or a plastic compound. They are made to the exact fit of the ear.
To use pre-molded or custom-molded earplugs, reach around
the back of your head, and pull outward and upward on your ear
while inserting the earplug with the opposite hand. Push and
twist the earplug until it fits snugly.
Though your employer will provide you with appropriate forms
of hearing protection if your noise exposure at work reaches a
certain level, it’s up to you to wear them to protect your hearing.
Care and maintenance
Clean and store your earplugs properly to make sure they always
provide you with the best hearing protection.
To clean formable earplugs, wash them in mild detergent and
warm water. Squeeze out any excess water and let them air-dry.
To clean pre-molded or custom-molded earplugs, wash them in
warm, soapy water, and rinse well. Dry them thoroughly with a
cloth. Never use alcohol, acetone, or chemicals to wash earplugs,
and always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Always store earplugs in a clean location when not being used.
You might use the container they came in as a storage box. Some
earplugs may also come with their own carrying case
Replace earplugs if they are no longer soft and pliable, become
misshapen, and/or become cracked.
If you keep these tips for using and caring for your earplugs in
mind, you will make positive steps toward protecting your
hearing from occupational noise exposure.