E. H. Berger

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Fitting EAR Foam Earplugs

• E. H. Berger
• Senior Scientist, Auditory Research

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Fitting EAR Foam Earplugs
References AIHA Noise Manual, Ch. 10, p.
398-412 EARLog 19
Tips Tools for Fitting E-A-R Foam Earplugs
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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

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The Occlusion Effect as a Fitting Aid

• Listen to OE using finger
• Boom beat
• Fit one ear and listen
• Fit both ears and listen
• Works for earmuffs too

Occlusion Effect (dB)
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Foam Earplugs
Make them be all that they can be!
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The Inadequate Roll Down
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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

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Checking the Fit of Foam Earplugs

• Occlusion effect - present, but not too much
• Position relative to tragus
• Remove and read plugs
• Crummy earmuff test

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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

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Three Advantages of a Better Fit

• More and flatter attenuation (listen in noise)
• Less occlusion effect (provide demonstration)
• Better comfort

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Use of an Eargage to Size Canals

• Approximate sizing
• Provides indicator for beginner
• Useful for 2-sized foam earplugs