Ear Plug

Q&A Time: Questions from the HearForever Community...

Question: Why aren't earplugs made with higher attenuation ratings -- like 40, or 50 or 60 dB?

Answer: There are three limits that cap attenuation of an earplug in the mid-30 dB range.

Q&A Time: Questions from the HearForever Community...

Question: We have foam earplugs which we wash and reuse. Does washing them have any effect on their published attenuation? Will washing them diminish their strength?

Answer: Washing of foam earplugs does not have a major effect on strength or attenuation, but... foam earplugs do retain moisture. You can never "squeeze" it all out. And that has two negative after-effects:

Safety professionals in the energy sector may be concerned about the use of hearing protectors in potential arc flash environments.