How to insert and remove your custom earplugs

So you’ve bought your first pair of custom earplugs. Hopefully, your hearing protection provider will have shown you how to insert and remove them. Just in case you need a quick refresher, here’s a step-by-step guide for you.

Inserting your earplugs

Right hand side

First of all let’s look at the shape of the earplug. There will be a flat section which is designed to touch your tragus, while the tip of the earplug is inserted into your ear canal.

To insert the earplug into your right ear, first ensure you have picked up the correct one; it should either be marked in red or with the letter ‘R’. Pick it up between your forefinger and thumb, with your thumb pressed against the flat section of the earplug.

Now, with your left hand reaching over your head, slightly pull your right ear in an upwards direction. Place the tip of the earplug into your ear canal and as you push it into the ear gently rotate it anti-clockwise by about 180 degrees. Give your ear a little wiggle to ensure that the earplug is forming an effective seal with your ear and that it is comfortable to wear. The flat section of the ear plug should be touching your tragus.

Left hand side

Again, your custom earplug will have a section that enters the ear canal and a flat section across the top of the hearing protector. The flat section will eventually rest against the tragus.

This earplug should be marked in blue, or with the letter ‘L’, and again you should take hold of it between the thumb and forefinger, this time with your left hand. Slide your thumb so that it is touching the flat part of the earplug.

Reach over your head with your right hand and gently pull your left ear upwards slightly. Place the tip of the earplug into your ear canal, and as you push the earplug into your ear slowly rotate it backwards. Wiggle your ear to ensure the earplug is comfortable and is forming a snug seal with your ear.

You may find that it helps to add a drop of otoform cream on the outside of the hearing protector for the first time you use it or after you have cleaned it. Place a small amount of cream onto a clean finger and smear it over the hearing protector.

You will find that it is much easier to slip into your ear and it will also improve the seal between the custom earplug and your ear.

How to remove your earplugs

Taking your earplugs out is very easy! Use your thumb to apply pressure to the base of your ear. This will gently force the earplug out, and you will find it slowly slides out and into your hand. Repeat this process for the other ear and your earplugs are out!