Editing Earplug (section)

===Simple earplugs===
[[File:Disposable foam earplugs.jpg|thumb|left|Disposable foam earplugs: with coins for scale (top) and inserted into the wearer's ear.]]Basic foam style earplug protection is often worn by industrial workers who work within hearing distance of [[Industrial noise|loud machinery]] for long periods of time, and is used by the British [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] (MoD) for [[soldier]]s to use when firing weapons. Earplugs are rated for their ability to reduce noise; see {{section link||Rating}}.

[[File:Earplugs instructions2.jpg|thumb|Earplugs with instructions for use]]
[[File:Musicians orange plugs.jpg|thumb|Flanged earplugs made from silicone rubber. The hole in the left plug is the input port and extends as far as the central flange where the attenuation occurs.|alt=]]

Most disposable earplugs are elastic ones made of [[memory foam]], that is typically rolled into a tightly compressed cylinder (without creases) by the user's fingers and then inserted in the ear canal. Once released, the earplug expands until it seals the canal, blocking the sound vibrations that could reach the [[eardrum]]. Other disposable plugs simply push into the ear canal without being rolled first. Sometimes earplugs are connected with a cord to keep them together when not in use. Other common material bases for disposable earplugs are viscous [[wax]] or [[silicone]].

Other devices that provide hearing protection include electronic devices worn around and/or in the ear, and are designed to cancel out the loud noise of a gunshot, while possibly amplifying quieter sounds to normal levels. While rich in features, these electronic devices are more expensive, compared to their foam counterparts.

In other activities, hobby [[motorcyclist]]s and [[skier]]s may also choose to use decibel reduction earplugs, to compensate for the ongoing noise of the wind against their head or helmet.