When it comes to ear plugs, your hearing protection is only as good as your fit is. Foam ear plugs are soft, which makes them comfortable to wear and excellent at dampening sound waves, but that soft foam absolutely has to be inserted correctly, or else your ears will be left undefended against hazardous noise. If you're trying to sleep with a snoring partner, that could mean a long night of missed sleep; if you're trying to stay safe on the job, that could mean permanent hearing damage. So getting it right matters.
The best way to insert ear plugs depends entirely on which type of ear plug you're using. But the question is most often asked when it comes to disposable foam ear plugs - the most popular ear plugs on the planet, and some of the trickiest to insert correctly. So that's what we'll focus on today.
This illustration from 3M's materials for inserting ear plugs uses no less than five figures to explain the process of inserting one humble little foam ear plug
Fortunately, after a quick explanation, you'll be armed with the knowledge you need to insert your ear plugs properly and keep your ears protected from noise, at home or at work. The same steps are recommended by both industry-leading hearing protection manufacturers such as Howard Leight and 3M, and by the CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) as well, so you know this is the very best information you can get.
Step Zero: Wash your hands.
Seriously! Always insert ear plugs with clean hands to make sure the sensitive skin of your ear canals stays protected.
Step One: Roll down the ear plug - carefully!
Roll the ear plug into a tight cylinder between your thumb and your forefinger.
This is the trickiest step, and the one people most often get WRONG.
Pay attention! Big creases or wrinkles will create inconsistencies in the foam, preventing sound from being reliably blocked.
A tight cylinder or "snake" is the best way to insert the ear plug deeply into the ear canal, where it can provide its full NRR (Noise Reduction Rating).
Getting a tight roll-down is so important that E-A-R actually makes Roll Model Checkers, to make sure your roll is Amazing! every time
Step Two: Pull the ear back.
This is a step that's easy to skip but makes all the difference. Ear canals have twists and bends that make it difficult to get a plug inserted properly.
By reaching around your head with your right hand to gently tug back on the top of your left ear, you can straighten your left ear canal opening so your ear plug can be inserted smoothly and easily. (3M calls this the "pinna pull" because that part of your outer ear is called the pinna.)
The deeper the better, but never keep pushing if it hurts.
This stoic model from Howard Leight boldly demonstrates the
pinna pull maneuver for inserting an ear plug
Step Three: Hold.
Don't let go! Hold the ear plug gently but firmly in place with your fingertip while the foam expands.
This will ensure the plug can't push itself out of the ear, making sure the fit is plush and effective. This will probably take around 30 seconds per ear. (Note that you don't actually have to keep pulling your ear back while you do this part.)
That's it!
With those simple steps you can feel confident that you're using the best way to insert ear plugs. You'll know you did it right when the ear plug is deeply inserted enough that the plug isn't visible if you look at yourself directly face-on in the mirror. With the right ear plugs and a good fit, your ears will stay safely protected from loud, irritating, and dangerous noises.
For an even better look at the best way to insert ear plugs, you can follow the steps in this short, helpful video from Howard Leight.
(Note that they leave out the hand-washing step, but they do say you should always put ear plugs in with clean hands!)
An honorable mention goes to Sert-A-Plug, which solves the problem of inserting ear plugs correctly with a can't-fail applicator device. It's incredibly helpful, and intuitive in a way that inserting foam plugs by hand just is not. But the cost makes the device a tough sell when ear plugs themselves cost less than a dollar, so they haven't caught on very widely.
Fortunately, no gadgets are required - after reading this article, just a few minutes of practice is all you need to master the best way to insert ear plugs yourself!
Until next time, be safe and do the right thing.
Tom Bergman, Vice President
Ear Plug Superstore
