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