Hearing Protection: How to Use Pre-Molded Earplugs

Learn the correct way to use pre-molded earplugs. Hearing loss from noise is preventable. Sounds can be harmful when they are too loud and long-lasting. The louder the sound, the quicker it can damage your hearing. Earplugs and other hearing protection can help prevent noise-induced hearing loss.

Pre-molded (high-fidelity) earplugs are easy to use. Just pull the ear up and back, and gently slide the earplug into your ear canal until it makes a good seal. Pre-molded earplugs are made from plastic, rubber, or silicone. They work well at sporting events, movies, and concerts because they lower the sound intensity across different pitches—from the lowest (such as a bass drum) to the highest (such as a flute). This protects your hearing while still allowing you to appreciate audio quality.

The best hearing protection for you is the type you are most comfortable using. Watch the other video in this series here:    • Hearing Protection: How to Use Formable Ea...  

This video is not intended to provide medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, consult a health care provider. Nothing in this video constitutes a direct or indirect endorsement by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders of any nonfederal entity’s products.