How to Wear Soft Foam Earplugs

For Everyone

What to know

To get the best protection from your soft foam earplugs, remember to roll, pull, and hold when putting them in.

Thumbnail image of Roll-Pull-Hold earplug technique

Roll-Pull-Hold 3-step technique

Use clean hands to keep from getting dirt and germs into your ears!

1. Roll

Diagram of earplug Roll-Pull-Hold step 1: Roll
Roll the earplug up into a small, thin "snake" with your fingers. You can use one or both hands.

2. Pull

Diagram of Earplug Roll-Pull-Hold step 2: Pull
Pull the top of your ear up and back with your opposite hand to straighten out your ear canal. The rolled-up earplug should slide right in.

3: Hold

Diagram of Earplug Roll-Pull-Hold step 3: Hold
Hold the earplug in with your finger until it expands to fill the ear canal. Your voice will sound muffled when the plug has made a good seal.

Check the fit

Check the fit when you're all done. Most of the foam body of the earplug should be within the ear canal. Try cupping your hands tightly over your ears. If sounds are much more muffled with your hands in place, the earplug may not be sealing properly. Take the earplug out and try again.

Spanish version

This guide is also available in Spanish: Cómo ponerse los tapones de oídos de espuma blanda

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Content Source
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Mining Program
About This Page
Published: June 29, 2026
Updated: October 28, 2026

This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.

Reviewed: June 29, 2026

The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.