The three materials
- Foam (PU foam, polyurethane): soft, slow-recovery foam. The earplug is rolled into a thin cylinder, pushed into the ear canal and expands there until it seals. The DGUV calls this type “earplugs shaped before use”. In the EarProtect range it is intended for single use.
- Silicone: a rubber-like elastic material. The earplugs are pre-moulded, with flanges that adapt to the ear canal. They are not rolled but inserted directly, and cleaned after use.
- TPE (thermoplastic elastomer): a plastic that behaves like rubber in use but can be shaped under heat like a thermoplastic during manufacture. These earplugs are also pre-moulded flanged earplugs for reuse.
| Foam | Silicone | TPE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example | EP1227 | EP001 | EP002 |
| Type | shaped before use, disposable | pre-moulded, flanged, reusable | pre-moulded, flanged, reusable |
| SNR | 37 dB | 32 dB | 32 dB |
| H / M / L | 37 / 35 / 30 dB | 32 / 29 / 28 dB | 33 / 29 / 28 dB |
| Real-world deduction | 9 dB | 5 dB | 5 dB |
| Effective (M − deduction) | 26 dB | 24 dB | 24 dB |
| Ear canal size range | 5 to 10 mm | 8 to 12 mm | 8 to 12 mm |
| Insertion | roll, insert, hold for 30 to 60 s | insert directly | insert directly |
| Reuse | no | up to five times, after cleaning | up to five times, after cleaning |
| Shelf life unopened | 3 years from manufacture | 5 years from manufacture | 5 years from manufacture |
| With cord | EP1227CBWG | EP001COB | EP002CB |
Silicone or TPE? In the EarProtect range, the two reusable earplugs hardly differ in use: same SNR, same M and L values, same cleaning and the same number of uses according to the user instructions. The TPE earplugs attenuate high frequencies 1 dB more, with H 33 dB. The real difference is colour and version: silicone in yellow (EP001Y) or orange with cord (EP001COB), TPE in blue with or without cord (EP002B, EP002CB). A wearing trial shows which fits better in everyday use; samples are available for this.
Foam or flanged? The size range helps with selection: according to the user instructions, the foam earplugs are designed for ear canals of 5 to 10 mm, the flanged earplugs for 8 to 12 mm. If one type does not give a tight or comfortable fit, try the other.
Disposable or reusable at work
| Disposable foam | Reusable silicone or TPE | |
|---|---|---|
| Hygiene | always fresh | cleaning after every use |
| Issue | dispenser, dispenser box | personal, with storage box |
| Time to insert | roll and hold for 30 to 60 s | immediate |
| Waste | one pair per use | one pair for up to five uses |
Because of the higher real-world deduction for earplugs shaped before use, the two types are closer in effective attenuation than the SNR values suggest: 26 versus 24 dB.
When disposable is the better choice
- Very high levels where every decibel counts.
- Changing people: visitors, contractors, agency workers.
- Dusty or oily environments where cleaning is hardly possible.
- Issue from a wall dispenser right at the entrance to the noise area.
When reusable is the better choice
- Hearing protection is taken out several times an hour.
- Permanent staff with personal hearing protection.
- Somewhat lower levels: according to the HML check, the reusable earplugs suit medium- to high-frequency noise from about 94 dB(A), the foam earplugs from about 96 dB(A).
How often to replace?
Disposable foam earplugs such as EP1227 are not reusable according to the user instructions and are thrown away after use. Reusable earplugs made of silicone (EP001) or TPE (EP002) are cleaned after every use with a mild cleaning agent and dried, not wrung out and not treated with chemicals; according to the user instructions they can be used up to five times. Replace damaged or hardened earplugs immediately.
Comparing the cost per use correctly
The unit price alone says little. Compare the cost per use: a disposable pair is used once, a reusable pair as often as the user instructions allow. So set the price of a disposable pair against the price of a reusable pair divided by its number of uses, and multiply both by the uses per shift. Add the time for cleaning and storage for reusable earplugs, and for issue and disposal for disposable ones. Current prices and volume discounts are in the B2B shop.
In many companies: both
A proven pattern: permanent staff receive personal reusable hearing protection, and for visitors, contractors and exceptional cases a dispenser with disposable earplugs hangs at the entrance to the noise area. This way everyone is protected without reusable earplugs being shared.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between foam and silicone earplugs?
Foam earplugs are rolled and expand in the ear canal; in the EarProtect range they attenuate the most (SNR 37 dB) and are for single use. Silicone earplugs are pre-moulded, inserted directly and, after cleaning, used up to five times (SNR 32 dB).
Which is better, TPE or silicone?
In the EarProtect range, both are equivalent: SNR 32 dB, the same M and L values, the same care, up to five uses. TPE (EP002) attenuates high frequencies 1 dB more. What matters is fit and comfort, best tested in a wearing trial with samples.
Can you wash foam earplugs?
No. Disposable foam earplugs such as EP1227 are not reusable and are thrown away after use.
How often should foam earplugs be replaced?
Every time they are inserted. Disposable earplugs are not reused after being taken out.
How do you clean reusable earplugs?
After every use with a mild cleaning agent and water; let them dry completely and keep them in the storage box.