5. Hearing Protection Devices (HPDs)

Earplugs - ear canal must be straightened out by pulling on the outer ear with other hand to get proper insertion

Compressible
  • Made of compressible foam - roll between fingers before inserting, hold in place until foam has expanded to fill ear canal.
  • One size fits most people.
Reusable
  • Made of plastic with single, double, or triple ridges to help seal the ear canal.
  • Suitable for workers that may get hands/fingers dirty as the portion of plug that goes into ear canal is not handled
  • Twist plug slightly as it is inserted into the ear.
Canal caps
  • Fit over the opening of the ear canal - not inserted into the canal as plugs are.

Ear Muffs - domes must fit over entire ear to provide seal