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Toolbox Talks - Week 50: Hearing Safety - Hearing Protection - Ear Plugs



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.

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