Sperian Howard Leight Laser Lite, 300 series and Pilot earplugs

Earplugs that offer too much hearing protection can be as harmful as earplugs that offer too little protection. With many workers compromising their hearing protection in order to better hear their coworkers and warning signals and machinery noises, it is important to select an earplug that won’t overprotect in mild or moderate noise levels.

Roll-down foam earplugs, such as the Laser Lite or the 300 series, will only provide adequate protection when they are rolled and inserted into the ear properly. Using clean hands, they should be rolled down into a small, crease-free cylinder and inserted into the ear canal. Insertion of earplugs is much easier and effective if the outer ear is pulled outward and upward to straighten the ear canal. Once the earplug has been properly inserted, users hold the earplug in position for 30-60 s while the foam expands and holds the earplug in place.

A practical alternative to roll-down foam models, Pilot hybrid push-in style earplugs feature a moulded ‘navigation’ stem which glides the earplug into the ear canal for a quick, snug and comfortable fit.