Earplugs: Types, NRR, and Fitting Requirements Under OSHA 1910.95

Earplugs are the most widely used occupational HPD under OSHA 1910.95. Their effectiveness depends heavily on type and insertion technique. According to CDC/NIOSH, approximately 22 million U.S. workers are exposed to hazardous noise annually, many relying on earplugs as their primary protection.

Earplug Types Compared

The OSHA Fitting Supervision Requirement

OSHA 1910.95(f)(3) requires hearing protectors to be fitted only by or under the supervision of a person adequately trained to fit the specific HPD types used. For foam earplugs — the most technique-sensitive type — this means a trained person must demonstrate proper insertion and confirm the worker can insert them correctly. Providing workers with a box of earplugs without fitting instruction and supervision does not satisfy this requirement.

Proper Roll-Down Foam Earplug Insertion

The NIOSH-recommended technique: (1) Roll to a thin, tight cylinder. (2) Reach over the head with the opposite hand; pull the ear up and back to straighten the canal. (3) Insert the compressed plug quickly and deeply — the tip should extend well into the canal. (4) Hold in place 20-30 seconds while the foam expands. A properly inserted foam earplug is nearly invisible from the front. Most of the plug should be inside the canal, not protruding.

Verifying Adequacy With Fit Testing

Watching a worker insert earplugs once during training doesn't confirm consistent correct insertion on every shift. Individual REAT-based fit testing measures each worker's actual achieved attenuation, identifying those who are under-protected despite the high labeled NRR. See: HPD fit testing: complete employer guide.