Use proper ear protection when exposed to loud noise.  How to select the right hearing protection:

ü What kinds of noise are you exposed to and how loud is it?

ü What is the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of the hearing protection selected?

ü How long will you be exposed to dangerous noise?

The following are the different types of hearing protection available.  Never wear home made hearing protection.

Earplugs (Inserts)  Some kinds of earplugs are disposable and others reusable.  Disposable earplugs are usually made of waxed cotton, used once, and then thrown away.  Semi-disposable plugs are made of foam and last about a week.  Reusable plugs are either premolded or custom-molded.  Custom-molded are made to the exact fit of the ear.  Insertion Procedure:

Formable Plugs.  Slowly roll and compress plug into a thin cylinder.  Pull up and back on ear with other hand then insert compressed plug deep into ear canal.  Hold finger against plug until it begins to expand.

Premolded Plugs.  Reach around back of head and with one hand pull outward and upward on ear while inserting plug with other hand.  Push and twist plug until it fits snugly.

Canal Caps (Semi-Inserts)  Canal caps are soft pads on a headband much like headphones.  They are comfortable, cool and easy to put on and off.  They provide less protection than earplugs or earmuffs.  Insertion Procedure:

Hold large ends of pads, swivel them to place tips into ear canal openings, then push and wiggle pads into canals until they seal snugly.

Earmuffs  Earmuffs help protect against moderate to high-level noise.  Earmuffs must fit tightly over the ears to block noise.   How to use earmuffs:

Adjust headband so cushions press equally against both ears.  Pull hair back and away from beneath cushions.  To fit properly, the headband must not be too loose or too tight, cups should fit comfortably and be lightweight.

To properly take care of ear protectors:  inspect them before use—do not use them if they are damaged, wash hands before inserting earplugs, make sure you have a good fit and clean ear protectors before putting them away.

Always wear hearing protection when in noisy environments.