IT’S ALL ABOUT CHOICE.
The Howard Leight™ commitment to hearing protection means considering all the features that make one earplug different from another: material, shape, size and NRR. We make it easy to compare products and ensure that all your employees receive the right fit and protection.
Getting a proper fit
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YOUR ENVIRONMENT
Consider that in hot/humid environments, workers may be most comfortable in earplugs. Colder climates generally require earmuffs to protect from both exposure to hazardous noise and inclement weather.
TYPE OF NOISE
Constant
For continuous exposure to hazardous noise, use single-use or multiple-use earplugs.
Intermittent
Banded earplugs for insertion and removal.
PREFERENCE & TYPE
Single-Use
An economical and convenient choice for work situations that demand a high degree of comfort, frequent changes, or where hygiene presents a problem for reuse.
Multiple-Use
Ideal for environments where workers can retain and store earplugs for reuse over time - reducing waste and saving money.
Banded
Ideal for workers who are intermittently exposed to noise and/or frequently remove their earplugs, these earplugs include a patented band that prevents the pods from touching surfaces when set down.
Corded
In many environments, workers may need to remove their earplugs during the course of a day's work.
Detectable
Certain industries require earplugs with visual and/or metal detectability features to prevent process contamination.
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SELECTING THE RIGHT HEARING PROTECTION
Fit-testing allows a worker to try a variety of hearing protectors that may be suitable. Often, the worker’s first choice of earplugs is not the best. Here are some selection tips that have proven useful in one-on-one training.
SIZE
All ear canals are different shapes and sizes. Some earplugs are offered in variable sizes to fit small or large ear canals. Women generally have smaller ear canals than men.
SHAPE
Ear canal openings may appear as round, oval or a slit. Foam earplugs conform better to different ear canal openings.
EASE OF INSERTION
Earplugs come in a variety of shapes. Roll-down foam earplugs will expand in ear canal to provide a better fit. Push-in earplugs with a stem help for easy insertion. Pre-molded earplugs use body heat to adapt to the wearer’s ear canal.
GETTING A PROPER FIT
ROLL
For roll-down foam earplugs, start rolling the foam gently to avoid creases. Then roll firmly to make the cylinder as small and stiff as possible. Move quickly to next step so that the earplug doesn’t expand before insertion.
PULL
Reach over the head to pull OUT (or for some people, pull UP or BACK) on the outer ear. Have someone observe and give you feedback about which pull-direction is most effective in opening the ear canal for a better fit.
INSERT
Insert the earplug far enough so that it goes around the bend in the ear canal. This often feels sensitive (not painful)- or may trigger a cough reflex. This is normal. Let go of the ear after the earplug is fully inserted.