The best hearing protector is the one that is comfortable and convenient and that the worker will wear every time they are in an environment with hazardous noise. The following gives some brief information on the different types of hearing protection.

Disposable formable plugs are made of a material that is designed to expand and conform to the shape of the ear canal. They are rolled or compressed by the wearer prior to inserting it into the ear. It works best when the wearer creates a smooth tube thin enough to fit in the ear about half the length of the plug. These formable ear plugs can be for single use or reuse for up to a week. They are good for a variety of noise areas, but are not recommended for use in areas where workers’ hands can become contaminated with abrasive materials, dirt or irritating or caustic substances, since the plugs must be formed using the hands. Some individuals with small ear canals may have difficulty rolling the plugs small enough to make them fit; in these situations, a small-size, expandable plug can be used.

Pre-molded plugs are reusable and generally made from silicone, plastic or rubber and are available in several styles - as one-size-fits-all, sized or custom-molded. The plugs should seal the ear canal without being uncomfortable, which generally takes trial and error of the various styles and sizes. (The plug is placed by reaching over your head with one hand to pull up on the helix of your ear and then, using your other hand, inserting the plug into the ear canal with a gentle rocking motion until you have sealed the ear canal.) Advantages of pre-molded plugs are that they are relatively inexpensive, reusable, washable, convenient to carry and come in a variety of sizes - nearly everyone can find a plug that will be comfortable and effective. In dirty or dusty environments, a worker doesn’t have to handle or roll the tips. These plugs are recommended for hearing protection where workers are exposed to high levels of noise. A worker may need a different size plug for each ear.

Canal caps are cone-shaped earplugs on a flexible plastic or metal band. The earplug tips may be molded by the user or be of a pre-molded material. The headbands provide a means to wear the device over the head, behind the neck or under the chin. Some models have jointed bands, increasing the ability to properly seal the earplug. The main advantage canal caps offer is convenience. When it's quiet, workers can leave the band hanging around their necks and can quickly insert the plug tips when hazardous noise starts again. However some workers find the pressure from the bands uncomfortable. In addition, not all canal caps have tips that adequately block all types of noise. Generally the canal cap tips that resemble stand-alone earplugs seem to block the most noise. Canal caps are recommended for a variety of noisy locations and especially for workers who are uncomfortable wearing plug-type protectors.

Earmuffs may be designed as active noise reduction (ANR), dielectric and passive and come in many models designed to fit most people. They work to block out noise by completely covering the outer ear. ANR earmuffs employ electronics to cancel low-frequency noise and are recommended for locations with high-level, severe noise. Dielectric earmuffs do not contain any metal parts and are recommended for work around high-voltage lines, power plants, utilities and generating plants. Passive earmuffs allow desirable sounds (conversation) to reach the ear and are recommended for impulse noise locations, rather than locations with sustained, high-noise levels.

Some muffs also include electronic PCComponents to help users communicate or to block impulse noises. Workers who have heavy beards or sideburns, or who wear glasses, may find it difficult to get good protection from earmuffs. Beards, sideburns and the temples of eyeglasses can break the seal that the earmuff cushions make around the ear. For these workers, earplugs are best. Other potential drawbacks of earmuffs are that some people feel they can be hot and heavy in some environments.

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