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A DOD List of Approved Hearing Protection Devices

Hearing protection devices are imperative for military personnel. Nearly half of the wounded-in-action evacuations from Iraq are the result of hearing loss injuries, says the Deafness Research Foundation website. Yet military personnel have long complained that hearing protection devices block out not only dangerously-high noises, but also warning sounds, such as approaching opposition forces. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) recommends various ear plugs and protective muffs and considers them to be part of a soldier's uniform.

  1. Plugs

    • Disposable ear plugs are made in single-flange, triple-flange, vinyl foam and silicon styles, according to the DOD's Defense Technical Information Center's online instructions. The DOD requires specially-trained personnel to supervise the fitting of ear plugs. Proper insertion of these plugs is as critical as the devices themselves, the instructions suggest. Open your ear canal by reaching over your head with your opposite hand and tugging outwardly at the ear. Use your left hand to pull at your right ear and vice versa. A vacuum sensation is a sign of a proper plug seal. Also, your voice should sound muffled, as though you are talking inside a barrel. A bad fit means you need a smaller or larger size. Chewing and talking loosens ear plugs.

    Muffs

    • Noise muffs fall under the DOD's list of approved hearing protection devices. The ear muff seals must be in complete contact with your head to be effective, according to the DOD's online instructions. The frames of your eyeglasses should not interfere with the ear cup's snug seal. You can adjust the headband, but refrain from bending the band or cups. Your voice should sound muffled. Replace your ear muffs if the seals are hardened or damaged or if noise leaks into them because ineffective ear protection is useless, according to the DOD. Also, headsets with built-in radio speakers cannot replace hearing protection muffs, according to Section 6.6.5 in the DOD instructions.

    Cases

    • Carrying cases for disposable ear plugs do more than just store the plugs. The open end of the case lid is a helpful tool when inserting single-flange or triple-flange plugs into the ear canal, the DOD's instructions report. Place the pointed end of the case lid into the stem of your ear plug, and then push and wiggle the ear plug into your ear. Wash the plugs and the case with soap and water in between uses, according to the DOD's instructions. Carrying cases ensure the plugs remain in a dry and safe location when not in use.

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