PPE/Specific/TBT-PPE-030

Ear Plug Fitting Instructions

Personal Protective Equipment › Specific › Ear Plug Fitting Instructions

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Ear plugs are the most commonly used hearing protection on UK construction sites alongside ear defenders.
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require hearing protection above the upper action value of 85 dB(A).
An incorrectly fitted ear plug can reduce its noise reduction rating by 50% or more, leaving you exposed.
Foam ear plugs must be rolled down to a thin cylinder before insertion and held in place until they expand.
Pre-moulded and flanged ear plugs require correct sizing — one size does not fit all ear canals.
Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent, irreversible, and cumulative — damage builds with every unprotected exposure.
Over 17,000 workers in the UK suffer from work-related hearing problems according to HSE statistics.
Ear plugs must be inserted with clean hands to prevent ear infections from dirt and contamination.
The SNR (Single Number Rating) on the packaging indicates the plug's noise reduction in decibels.
Hearing protection should be selected to reduce exposure to between 70–80 dB(A), not to eliminate all sound.

Permanent damage	Noise-induced hearing loss cannot be cured or reversed — once the hair cells in the inner ear are destroyed, they never regrow.
Fit determines protection	A poorly fitted ear plug lets noise bypass the seal directly into the ear canal, providing almost no protection at all.
Correct technique	Most workers have never been shown how to fit foam plugs properly — a two-minute demonstration can transform effectiveness.

Don't

Wash or clean your hands before handling and inserting ear plugs every time.
Roll foam plugs into a thin, crease-free cylinder between your fingers before insertion.
Pull the top of your ear upward and back to straighten the ear canal for insertion.
Hold the plug in place for 30 seconds until it fully expands and seals the canal.
Check the fit by cupping your hands over your ears — sound should not change noticeably.
Select the correct size for pre-moulded plugs — try different sizes to find your best fit.
Replace disposable foam plugs at the start of every shift — they are single-use items.
Store reusable plugs in their case when not in use to keep them clean and undamaged.
Attend audiometry health surveillance testing when scheduled by occupational health.
Combine ear plugs with ear defenders in very high noise areas above 100 dB(A).

DON'T push an unrolled foam plug straight into your ear — it will not seal correctly.
DON'T insert ear plugs with dirty or oily hands — this introduces bacteria into the ear.
DON'T reuse disposable foam ear plugs — they lose shape and cannot seal after first use.
DON'T trim, cut, or modify ear plugs to make them more comfortable in your ears.
DON'T share ear plugs with other workers — hearing protection is a personal hygiene item.
DON'T remove hearing protection even briefly in noisy areas — short exposures still cause damage.
DON'T assume all ear plugs offer the same protection — check the SNR rating on packaging.
DON'T over-protect to the point you cannot hear warnings, alarms, or verbal instructions.
DON'T store loose ear plugs in pockets where they collect lint, dirt, and debris.
DON'T ignore ringing, muffled hearing, or pain after noise exposure — report it immediately.

See also: Noise Induced Hearing Loss Prevention | Noise Exposure Assessment

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