How to Use Ear Plugs (3 Step Guide)
Do you want to know how to use ear plugs effectively? Well, in this post I’ll show you how to correctly insert them into your ears. Coming up!
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Hi, I’m Dr. Derek – audiologist, audio engineer, and musician with ProFitHearing.com bringing you the best insight in today’s latest hearing aids, headphones, and audio technology to improve your life. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician or audiologist.
How to Use Ear Plugs
Today, I’ll demonstrate how to use foam ear plugs. They’re available online or at a local pharmacy. Check HERE for a product list (Amazon).
This is how you correctly insert foam ear plugs in 3 steps.
Step 1
Roll it up. Take a few seconds to fully compress the foam between your fingers. This will make it easier to insert into the ear canal.
Step 2
Pull up and back on your ear with the opposite hand. This helps straighten out the ear canal for easier ear plug insertion.
Step 3
Gently insert the ear plug into the ear canal and place it in a comfortable position. Then, hold it in place for 10 seconds until it expands. This will create a good seal within the ear canal and block out more sound. When you remove the ear plug later, just gently twist side to side as you slowly pull out the ear plug.
How to Use Ear Plugs – NRR
Ear plugs have a Noise Reduction Rating (or NRR). A higher Noise Reduction Rating will provide more hearing protection. The noise reduction rating assumes proper earplug insertion, so it’s very important to be sure you properly insert the ear plugs in order to experience the best results.
Wear hearing protection whenever you are in loud, noisy environment. Protect your ears from loud sounds so you can help prevent noise induced hearing loss and tinnitus (or ringing-in-the-ears). You can get even more noise reduction if you also wear earmuffs over the ear plugs. You may need to wear both ear plugs and earmuffs together depending on how loud the activity is.
For more information on occupational noise exposure standards check out the links below.
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/preventhearingloss/default.html
Question of the Day
So, for today’s question. When do you use ear plugs? Let’s connect in the comments below.
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Remember Pro Fit Hearing brings you the best insight today’s latest hearing aids, headphones, and audio technology to improve your life. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician or audiologist.
-Dr. Derek