Do ear plugs work to protect hearing? It depends on the type of earplugs and the situation in which they are used. Some ear plugs are extremely effective, while others, such as a certain model used by the U.S. military, have proven to be virtually useless.

Types of Earplugs

Earplugs generally fall into one of four categories, and how to insert earplugs depends on the type:

• Foam: Made from inexpensive polyvinyl chloride (PVC), these are disposable products that can be rolled up or formed into a cone shape and inserted into the opening of the ear canal
• Silicone: Similar to bread dough in consistency, these types of earplugs are molded to fit around the ear canal entrance
• Custom molded: These ear plugs are specially made and fitted to the individual
• Flanged: Earplugs of this type have two or three ridges or rings around them in order to prevent them from falling out while providing layers of protection from noise

An example of the flanged type are the 3M combat ear plugs, which have been a cause of action in recent lawsuits filed by military personnel who used them, but suffered hearing damage nonetheless, prompting many to ask “do ear plugs work?”

Benefits of Wearing Earplugs

When do earplugs work best, and when should they be worn? The answer is obvious to anyone who works around loud machinery or electrical equipment as well as rock musicians who perform in dangerously loud environments. For these individuals, the question, “do earplugs work to protect hearing?”, is imperative.

Even an hour of unprotected exposure to such decibel levels can cause significant hearing damage, so the right earplugs are a good investment for those who spend time in noisy settings. In addition, earplugs can be of great benefit to people who have difficulty sleeping because of ambient noise.

Downsides of Wearing Earplugs

There are risks to consider when using earplugs. One of the most common problems is impacted ear wax, which can cause ringing in the ear and muffled hearing.  The ear produces a special type of wax, known as cerumen, which protects the ear canal by preventing dust and bacteria from entering. Normally, this drips out and can be removed with regular cleaning. However, when earplugs are worn for too long, the ear wax may build up and form a mass, blocking the ear canal. This usually requires removal by a professional health care provider, using a “mini-vacuum” to pull it out.

Using the same earplugs repeatedly without sterilizing them can also present the risk of infection.

When To Wear Earplugs

Earplugs should be worn when you are exposed to decibel levels of 85 or above for any length of time. Case in point: military personnel who are regularly exposed to two types of noise: steady rumblings from aircraft and other vehicles, and sudden explosions and gunfire. According to 3M Combat Earplug lawsuit filings, the product was designed to protect the ears from both types of noise while allowing the wearer to hear voices. However, many veterans who served in the field returned home with significant hearing loss due to the product’s defective design.