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Earplugs... flexible, adaptable and trusted hearing protection.
October 09, 2020
Earplugs... flexible, adaptable and trusted hearing protection.
In a working environment earplugs are a hearing protection device used to protect the ears from loud noises to help prevent noise-induced hearing loss. Designed to fit into the ear canal they reduce noise exposure to below 85 dBA throughout an average work shift of eight hours, when sounds exceed 80 dBA, it becomes dangerous to the ears. Earplugs have been used since ancient times to protect the ears from loud noise where beeswax, cotton or wool was used. Fortunately earplugs have evolved and improved over time and are now available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours to provide both comfort and protection. Today foam earplugs are the most common type in use and when worn correctly can provide the greatest amount of protection, but is there room for improvement?
3M™ E-A-R™ Flexible Fit Earplugs, hearing protection simplified.
Introducing the 3M™ E-A-R™ Flexible Fit Earplug, the first fully washable foam earplug and the first with an attenuation rating for a new one-hand insertion method. Featuring patented technology, they have a soft foam tip and a flexible foam-covered fitting stem that allows easy insertion into the ear using one or two hands. The shape of the earplug tip along with the soft conforming foam helps to provide a snug yet gentle fit that helps reduce exposure to hazardous noise levels. The no roll-down design of the foam tip helps keep ear tips clean when hands are dirty. The cord keeps earplugs readily available and helps keep foam ear tips clean between uses. The Flexible Fit Earplugs are well suited for activities that require gloved or dirty hands or situations when only one hand is free to fit the earplugs. These earplugs are available in corded and uncorded variants. When utilising the two handed insertion method, the SLC80 is 20 dB (Class 3). When utilising the one handed insertion method, the SLC80 is 16 dB (Class 2).* 3M™ E-A-R™ Flexible Fit Earplugs are fit-testable with the 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System.
Try the 3M™ E-A-R™ Flexible Fit Earplug for yourself and feel the difference. Request your FREE sample today.
The next generation of push-to-fit earplugs.
One-hand insertion
The first earplug with an attenuation rating for a new one-handed insertion method.
- One-hand insertion method is offered in addition to the traditional two-hand method
- First in the market to claim SLC80 (16 dB class 2) when using new one-hand insertion method
- 20 dB class 3 when using traditional two-hand insertion method
No roll-down design
The no roll-down design of the foam tip helps keep them clean when hands are dirty.
- Easy, quick insertion with no roll-down required
- Eliminating the need to roll-down the foam helps keep the conical foam tip clean
- Great for glove wearers or dirty hands
Comfortable fit
Patented design and innovative thermoplastic materials ensure a comfortable and snug fit.
- Durable foam-encapsulated design with contoured soft foam tip helps keep the wearer comfortable while protecting their hearing
- Ergonomically designed flexible stem provides a snug fit
Washable
The 3M™ E A R™ Flexible Fit Earplug is the first of its kind to be washable in a foam earplug variant.
- Patented foam formulation which makes the earplug fully washable and reusable
- Simply wash with mild soap and water for repeated usage, for up to two weeks
E.A.R™ Flexible Fit Uncorded Earplugs
The E-A-R™ Flexible Fit Earplugs are ideally suited to protect against most noise frequencies in a wide range of industrial workplace and leisure environments.
Examples of typical industries and applications include:
- Automotive
- Chemical & pharmaceutical manufacture
- Construction
- Heavy engineering
- Metal processing
- Textile manufacture
- Woodworking
E-A-R™ Flexible Fit Earplugs are ideal for the following users:
E.A.R™ Flexible Fit Corded Earplugs
- Workers who wear gloves in their daily work or those working in dirty environments
- Those who want the comfort of a foam plug and the value of multiple-use and washability, like a reusable
- Personnel who do not need to be over attenuated - being able to stay protected while staying aware of their surroundings
- People who need to wear earplugs for lengthier periods, and may value comfort first
- Operatives who are only able to use one hand and require easy and convenient earplug insertion
Try the 3M™ E-A-R™ Flexible Fit Earplug for yourself and feel the difference. Request your FREE sample today.
*3M strongly recommends fit testing of hearing protectors. Research suggests that many users will receive less noise reduction than indicated due to variation in hearing protector fit, fitting, and motivation of the user. Refer to your applicable regulations for guidance on how to adjust label values and estimate attenuation. In addition, 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System can support your fit testing needs for improved wear and compliance.
