E. H. BergerE. H. Berger
Division Scientist,Division Scientist,Occupational Health & Environmental Safety DivisionOccupational Health & Environmental Safety Division
E. H. BergerE. H. Berger
Division Scientist,Division Scientist,Occupational Health & Environmental Safety DivisionOccupational Health & Environmental Safety Division
Fitting EFitting E••AA••RRTMTM
Foam EarplugsFoam EarplugsFitting EFitting E••AA••RRTMTM
Foam EarplugsFoam Earplugs
Fitting E•A•R Foam Earplugs
References: AIHA Noise Manual, Ch. 10, p. 398-412 EARLog #19
Tips & Tools for Fitting E-A-R Foam Earplugs
Otoscopic Inspection
•Examine around ear and in earcanal
•How to brace otoscope
•Proper pinna pull and direction to insert tip
•Earlight is excellent alternative
•Need only examine to earplug depth
The Occlusion Effect as a Fitting Aid
Occluded Volume
300 cm30.2 cm3
• Listen to OE using finger
• “Boom beat”
• Fit one ear and listen
• Fit both ears and listen
•Works for earmuffs too
Occ
lusi
on
Eff
ect
(dB
)
Rolling and Inserting Foam Earplugs
• Tight compression (EXTREMELY TIGHT!) and crease- and wrinkle-free
•Practice with Roll Model
• Instructor fits off-hand ear
•Guide direction ofpinna pull
•Student fits other ear
Checking the Fit of Foam Earplugs•Occlusion effect - present,
but not too much
•Position relative to tragus
•Remove and “read” plugs
• “Crummy earmuff” test
Considerations re Deep Fitting
•Give the plug a chance to expand - it gets more comfortable as it expands and shortens
•Alternative options to facilitate removal of overly deep fittings>Golf tee>Longer plug>Corded plugs>Tweezers
Three Advantages of a Better Fit•More and flatter attenuation (listen in noise)
• Less occlusion effect (provide demonstration)
•Better comfort
Less OE More OE
Use of an Eargage to Size Canals
•Approximate sizing
•Provides indicator for beginner
•Useful for 2-sized foam earplugs