How to insert earplugs correctly

Foam earplugs

1. 01

   Roll

   Roll the earplug with clean fingers into a thin, tight cylinder.

2. 02

   Pull the ear

   With the other hand, gently pull the ear up and back. This straightens the ear canal.

3. 03

   Insert

   Push the earplug in quickly and deeply before it expands again.

4. 04

   Hold

   Hold it with a finger for 30 to 60 seconds until the foam has expanded.

To remove: slowly, with a twisting movement, so that the vacuum is released gradually. Pulling the earplug out quickly can strain the eardrum.

Flanged earplugs made of silicone or TPE

1. 01

   Wash your hands

   Clean your hands before inserting.

2. 02

   Pull the ear

   Gently pull the ear upwards with one hand.

3. 03

   Insert

   Guide the tip into the ear canal until the flanges sit tightly and comfortably.

4. 04

   Remove

   Twist out slowly. On corded models, do not pull on the cord.

Banded earplugs

1. 01

   Position the band

   Wear the band under the chin or behind the neck.

2. 02

   Pull the ear

   Pull the ear back.

3. 03

   Press in

   Press the earplugs in until the noise becomes noticeably quieter.

Putting on earmuffs correctly

1. 01

   Open the cups

   Pull the cups outwards and place them over the ears.

2. 02

   Enclose the ears

   The cushions must enclose the ears completely. Keep hair, caps and thick spectacle arms out of the sealing area.

3. 03

   Adjust the height

   Adjust the height of both cups until the fit is firm and comfortable; the headband sits straight on the head.

Does it fit? Three checks

• Your own voice sounds muffled and louder than usual.
• Seen from the front, the foam earplug barely protrudes from the ear.
• In a noisy environment, cup your hands over your ears: if it gets much quieter, the earplug is not inserted deeply enough.

Typical mistakes

• Not rolled or rolled too loosely, so the earplug only sits at the entrance to the ear canal.
• Let go too early, so the foam expands outside the ear canal.
• Inserted with dirty hands.
• Taken out briefly in between: even a few minutes without protection noticeably reduce the effect over the shift.

Hygiene and replacement

• Throw disposable foam earplugs away after removing them; do not reinsert them.
• Clean reusable earplugs after every use with a mild cleaning agent, let them dry and keep them in the box.
• Replace hardened, torn or deformed earplugs immediately.
• Clean the cushions and pads of earmuffs regularly; with cracked or hard cushions they no longer seal.

Correct insertion belongs in every training session with practical exercises. The steps are available as an exercise sheet and poster in the free training template (PDF, in German). Which type suits which workplace is covered in the comparison Disposable or reusable.