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HOW TO WEAR HEARING PROTECTION

First and foremost, "Follow manufacturers' instructions! "

 

The human aspects of hearing protection are particularly important since the only useful kind of protection is the protection that is actually worn. AND I REPEAT: ALL hearing protection is only of value if it is worn!

And for number two, it is ONLY effective if it installed or used correctly.

Some people do not accept particular kinds of protectors; every human being is different, and the anatomy of the ear and ear canal can vary significantly from person to person. So whenever possible work with each individual and EVEN FOR YOURSELF, until you find a hearing protection system that is convenient and comfortable.. this will go along ways towards compliance!

The bottom line on hearing protection is if you do not like the type of protection (for example, if it is uncomfortable, does not fit well, or is impractical), you will not wear it.

Ear Plugs:

Proper fitting and installation is especially true with ear plugs.

The ear should be pulled outward and upward with the opposite hand to enlarge and straighten the ear canal. The plugs are rolled between two fingers with clean hands, to reduce the diameter, then inserted into the ear canal. As soon as the ear plug is released into the ear it will expand to fit the available space.

It is only with good contact between the foam of the ear plug and the sides of your ear canal that you will get adequate hearing protection. Thus they are not considered to be the most ideal form of protection since many people tend to not be as careful as they should in inserting them.. especially when cleaning ones hands is a challenging ordeal.

Custom earplugs on the other hand, should fit in correctly first time.. that's the point of getting them custom made.... thus if they don't fit properly the first time, get them adjusted before you pay the bill.

Earmuffs:

Ensure the ear muffs tightly seal against the side of the head. Safety glasses, clothing, hair or hair nets, or pencils in the ear can all impede correct positioning. If the foam cups do not fit correctly to the skull their hearing reduction capacity will be significantly affected and you will be working without full protection.

Typically all earmuffs have an adjustable over the head band or metal wire cup frames that can be enlarged or reduced to fit varying head sizes. Take a minute to make the necessary adjustments.

If you're doing the buying, try before you buy... some earmuffs exert excessive pressure and can cause headaches, especially true if you have a larger sized skull. Some earmuffs don't hold their position and want to fall down to your neck.. again try first, buy second. If sales staff don't want you to take them out of the box then shop elsewhere.

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