Ear plugs are sold over the counter at most drugstores and hardware stores. You might need to wear ear plugs for peace and quiet while sleeping or on airplanes, mowing the lawn, using power tools, or attending a rock concert. If you put earplugs in your ears incorrectly, you can risk hearing damage or discomfort. Put your earplugs in every time, no matter what type of earplugs you use.
Foam earplugs are reusable and can be pressed to fit the shape of the inside of your ear. You can rinse off the earplugs, but let them dry thoroughly before putting them in your ear, or they will be spongy. When the earplugs are dry, roll each one between your fingertips so the thin part of the earplug is rolled into a thinner tube. Gently place the earplugs in your ears, and press carefully. Don't press too hard or push the earplugs all the way into your ears. Sit for several seconds until the earplugs expand to fill the rest of your ears. To remove the earplugs, gently pull on the tip of the earplug, which is usually slightly larger than the rest of the earplug so you can remove it easily.
Wax earplugs are rounder and can be used for smaller ears because you can break them in half and mold them to fit, whatever your age or size. Roll the wax earplug into a ball--it should be slightly larger than your ear hole. Press the wax ball into the ear hole, but the wax earplug should still be visible from the outside of the ear. To remove the earplug, gently pull the wax with your fingernails. If the wax comes out in pieces, press a piece of wax onto your ear again to catch the piece of earwax stuck in the ear.
