Disposable Ear Plug question

[Brubz]

Been a long time since I've seen the "How to..." for ear plugs.

I used to be a Junior rifle coach so each new class I had to show / tell the kids how to protect their hearing. So, for grins and giggles, I'll review here for maybe newbies.

Roll the foam plug into a long stick. For your right ear, reach over or behind your head with your left arm, grab the top back of your right ear and pull up and back. This straightens the ear canal for easier plug insertion.

Insert the rolled up plug, and hold it momentarily with a finger of your right hand; you will feel the plug begin to expand. Hold it in place until fully expanded.

Reverse and repeat for your left ear.

Depending on who is shooting what around you, this is usually enough for small bore, but for larger rifles and handguns, I would recommend over-the-head headset, especially with the proliferation of short barrel 223's.

Now, there may follow a discussion of everyone's favorite ear protection...but the above is the minimum acceptable.

I think you misread the op I wasn't asking how to insert them I was asking if they can be washed and reused

 

[Brubz]

They’re called “disposable” for a reason. You nasty sloths should not be reusing them if you use them for any length of time. We’re talking about $.15-.20/pr here. Or less than firing off a fresh, blow your lung out cartridge.

You only get one set of hearing. It doesn’t grow back. Act accordingly.

I guess I overpaid for them. I paid 40 cents a piece for them but that's what I get for buying them from an LGS.

 

[tarosean]

I guess I overpaid for them. I paid 40 cents a piece for them but that's what I get for buying them from an LGS.

you guess?? they can be had for under 10 cents. i.e.
https://www.amazon.com/Quality-Foam...c2-fb095f9806cf&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_atf_m

 

[old lady new shooter]

I think you misread the op I wasn't asking how to insert them I was asking if they can be washed and reused

Personally I was very happy to see the instructions. I always just roll them up and insert, next time I wanna try it the "official" way.

 

[Bwana John]

View attachment 1132146

Dang! Somebody start a go fund me for @Bwana John so he doesn't have to use other people's discarded ear plugs.

I use the discarded plugs as projectiles! If I am going use something I found on the ground as hearing protection, it’s gonna be an empty 9mm case.

I was thinking that if I didn’t wash them off before loading it might act like a bullet lube, but the dirt sticking to the “lube” discouraged me.

Empty 9mm cases have always worked better than foam for me.

BTW, You pop a porcupine with a foam ear plug powered by a magnum large rifle primer they tend to stay out of the back yard! And it makes the elk stay away from your Aspen trees.

 

[PWC]

I think you misread the op I wasn't asking how to insert them I was asking if they can be washed and reused

No, I didn't misread you. See my first sentence.

Since you began the ear plug thread, I thought it prudent to explain the correct "How to.." since every range trip I see people trying to just cram them into their ears.

 

[Bfh_auto]

Sorry to disagree but my experience is different! I use Howard Leight's neck band plug assembly.......course the factory plugs do wear out so I replaced mine with the disposable foam type by simply using an exacto razor to make a cut deep enough to permit that ball end to hold 'em. I've found that I can get several washings from a set and as they are so cheap just toss the old or damaged ones. I happen to use Dawn detergent on mine and I note zero performance drop..........Course if you happen to have really hairy and greasy ears then that might be a problem!

Seriously tho, I find that the plugs are far easier to use and very effective when properly inserted.

I have found that you are right and we'll as the other posters.
Some brands won't handle one wash cycle. Others last for half a dozen.
But you run a risk of ear infections if you contaminate your ears.
Logging I'll reuse them. In the shop I pitch them. Gun range is generally ear muffs for me.

 

[Jimbo80]

Kind of like washing and re-using paper towels if you ask me. If you're a plug person there are tons of washable plugs available. I spent 25 years in aviation so for me foam plugs are like Tribbles. I retired 10 years ago and still find them everywhere.

 

[sparkyv]

I use these. Note, CAN be reused. No need to roll them up. One of the highest NRR available. Highly recommend.

Moldex M6940 Twist in Earplugs, Foam, NRR 30

• Push and twist the multi-curved stem for a custom fit
• Large handle for easy insertion and removal
• Soft triple flange plugs can be washed and reused
• Cord can be attached at any length
• 100% PVC-Free

 

[Glockpride]

No, I didn't misread you. See my first sentence.

Since you began the ear plug thread, I thought it prudent to explain the correct "How to.." since every range trip I see people trying to just cram them into their ears.

that was good info. Education is part of the process for correct protection.

 

[DeepSouth]

I wear them everyday at work, I use them until they get noticeably dirty or wet and quit expanding properly. Sometimes I go trough a couple pair a day, sometimes a pair lasts me a few days.

Depends a lot of which type you are using to.

 

[CapnMac]

Part of the issue her is that ear wax is funky stuff--which serves several biologically useful purposes.

We call it wax but it's not a wax in the way beeswax or paraffin wax are. So, there's no one good solvent (mild dilute vinegar can approximate one).

That kind of gets in the way of cleaning the foam. The structure of the foam, of being open, flexible cells, further complicating matters.

This is where the silicon and vinyl compound plugs have an advantage, they will clean easily. Downside being that the fit is not as conformal.

If you don't buy the foam plus 2-3 pairs at a time, but check the industrial supply places, you can get a bulk order in to really reduce the cost per each.

Your hearing once damaged, will not "get better" later on. Protect it now, as that D sharp or E sharp (or both) warbling away will get annoying.

 

[shafter]

I wouldn't recommend using them unless you are using them in conjunction with muff style ear pro. What we are starting to realize is that alot of noise is going right through the skull around the ears and not just through the ear itself so a big muff is recommended.

 

[Brubz]

I wouldn't recommend using them unless you are using them in conjunction with muff style ear pro. What we are starting to realize is that alot of noise is going right through the skull around the ears and not just through the ear itself so a big muff is recommended.

I use Howard Leight L3 muffs. They are big and give good coverage. Today I had foam plugs as well.

 

[illinoisburt]

You can get boxes of 50 wrapped pairs of plugs at Harbor Freight for $5 foam or $7 silicon. I give away dozens of pairs (and a few of their $4 ear muffs) regularly at the local outdoor range.

 

[herrwalther]

For the price of 50 or so pair of foam/disposable ear plugs you could get a really good set of rubber/washable ear plugs. Never made much sense to me to throw away what you could just rinse and reuse instead.

 

[DeepSouth]

I wouldn't recommend using them unless you are using them in conjunction with muff style ear pro. What we are starting to realize is that alot of noise is going right through the skull around the ears and not just through the ear itself so a big muff is recommended.

I’ve been hearing this for at least 20 years and frankly I still don’t believe it. The simple noise reduction by good ear plugs I believe is sufficient, obviously I could be wrong. But I have had annual hearing tests since 2007 (-2020) for work and I have zero hearing loss since then. And I don’t normally go plugs and muffs unless I’m shooting a magnum rifle.

 

[mope540]

I save the used ones for barrel cleaning. They can be pushed through to wipe the barrel clean after scrubbing. Easier to use than those cotton squares.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

Yes, I see disposable earplugs discarded like cigarette butts, more litter.

 

[DeepSouth]

I save the used ones for barrel cleaning. They can be pushed through to wipe the barrel clean after scrubbing. Easier to use than those cotton squares.

That is brilliant, I will have to give that a try.

 

[mope540]

That is brilliant, I will have to give that a try.

thanks....they're cheap enough to use new ones for applying oil to the barrel.

 

[lysanderxiii]

I have had too many ear infections and can point to reusing ear plugs in a couple cases. I buy them in bulk and pitch them after each use. Not worth time or ear infection to try to reuse them. Buy in bulk and save money.

THIS.

Further, at less than 15 cent a pair, it is not worth it.

 

[bearcreek]

I save the used ones for barrel cleaning. They can be pushed through to wipe the barrel clean after scrubbing. Easier to use than those cotton squares.

And the wax lubes your bullets on the way out.

 

[Speedo66]

They’re good for motorcycle riding, too.

The wind rushing by your ears is loud enough to slowly erode your hearing over time, even in a full face helmet.

I generally get two or three rides out of a pair before I look at them and think “I ain’t putting that in my ears”.

For shooting I double them up with muffs every time.

 

[deadeye dick]

Lol, I used to misplace my issued ear plugs at the firing range during boot camp and would break the filter off a couple of my Winston's and stick them in my ears. Worked a little but the M16A1 was still fairly loud.

Back in 1961 at Ft. Dix N J we were issued cotton balls on the range, Isn't progress great.