1. E. H. Berger Division Scientist, Occupational Health & Environmental Safety Division E. H. Berger Division Scientist, Occupational Health & Environmental Safety Division Fitting EAR TM Foam Earplugs

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

3. 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

4. The Occlusion Effect as a Fitting Aid Occluded Volume 300 cm 3 0.2 cm 3 Listen to OE using finger Boom beat Fit one ear and listen Fit both ears and listen Works for earmuffs too Occlusion Effect (dB)

18. 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 of pinna pull Student fits other ear

19. Checking the Fit of Foam Earplugs Occlusion effect - present, but not too much Position relative to tragus Remove and read plugs Crummy earmuff test

20. 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

21. Three Advantages of a Better Fit More and flatter attenuation (listen in noise) Less occlusion effect (provide demonstration) Better comfort Less OE More OE

22. Use of an Eargage to Size Canals Approximate sizing Provides indicator for beginner Useful for 2-sized foam earplugs