How to fit your custom earplugs
Saturday, March 14th, 2009Now you have a set of custom earplugs your hearing protection company should have shown you how to wear them, how to insert them into your ears properly to ensure you get maximum protection and how to remove them. But just in case that didn’t happen, here is a quick guide.
How should you insert your earplugs?
The right ear
Your custom earplug will have a section that enters the ear canal and a flat section across the top of the hearing protector. The flat section will eventually rest against the tragus.
The plug for your right ear should be marked in red, or with the letter ‘R’. To insert it into your ear, take hold of it with your right hand, grasping it between your forefinger and thumb, slide your thumb so that it is touching the flat outer section.
Take your left hand, and reach over your head to gently pull your right ear upwards. Place the earplug tip into your ear canal and as you push it inside your ear, slowly rotate it backwards by about 180 degrees. Give the earplug a wiggle to make sure that it sits properly in your ear and it is totally comfortable. As described above the flat part should be resting on the tragus.
Left hand side
Again, your custom earplug will have a section that enters the ear canal and a flat section across the top of the hearing protector. The flat section will eventually rest against the tragus.
To insert the left hand hearing protector (which will be marked in blue or L), grasp the hearing protector between your thumb and fore finger of the left hand, and place your thumb on the flat section.
Reach over your head with your right hand and gently pull your left ear upwards slightly. Place the tip of the earplug into your ear canal, and as you push the earplug into your ear slowly rotate it backwards. Wiggle your ear to ensure the earplug is comfortable and is forming a snug seal with your ear.
You may find that it helps to add a drop of otoform cream on the outside of the hearing protector for the first time you use it or after you have cleaned it. Place a small amount of cream onto a clean finger and smear it over the hearing protector.
You will then find that the earplug will slide into your ear canal much easier now. The cream will also help to increase the seal that is formed in your ear.
Earplug removal
Taking your earplugs out is very easy! Use your thumb to apply pressure to the base of your ear. This will gently force the earplug out, and you will find it slowly slides out and into your hand. Repeat this process for the other ear and your earplugs are out!