How to Properly Insert Foam Ear Plugs

The Art of The Perfect Fit can by tricky, but it makes all the difference. Improperly inserted ear plugs won't create a tight seal, leaving your ears vulnerable to unsafe levels of industrial noise, loud music or your partner's snoring.

This guide is intended for foam ear plugs, but will work for wax, silicone or reusable ear plugs (just adjust step 2 as needed!).

1. Wash your hands

Cleanliness is right next to godliness, so give your filthy paws a scrub before touching your ear plugs.

2. Roll the ear plug between your fingers

Using your thumb and index fingers, roll the ear plug into a thin, snake-like shape. This will make it smaller and easier to insert.

3. Pull your ear up and back

Grab the top of your ear with the hand not holding the ear plug. Stretch it slightly up and backwards, just a gentle tug, nothing too vicious. This will pull your ear open a bit, allowing you to more easily insert your earplug. Use a mirror if you're having trouble.

4. Carefully insert the ear plug

With a steady hand, insert the ear plug. If using a foam ear plug you're gonna want to hold the ear plug inside your ear for 10-20 seconds while the foam expands to fill the ear canal.

Ear plug tips and tricks

• Generally speaking, there's no left or right-sided ear plug. A plug is a plug is a plug.
• If the ear plug still isn't blocking out noise, you might need a bigger ear plug.
• If the ear plug is uncomfortable and painful, you might need a smaller ear plug.
• When using a wax or mouldable silicone ear plugs, you'll want to smooth over the exposed tip of the ear plug to create a seal over your ear following step 4.
• Still confused? Take a look at the video below.