With a disposable foam ear plug, both the type of foam and size of the ear plug can create pressure inside the ear canal, causing discomfort if not fitted or inserted properly. With an ear muff, if the pressure from the ear cups or headband is excessive, the discomfort can be great enough to cause headaches and pain.

How long should you wear earmuffs?

They are most effective at reducing your total noise exposure and preventing damage to your hearing when you wear them continuously throughout the period of noise exposure. For example, if you work 8 hours a day in an environment with a harmful noise level (85 dB or more), wear your hearing protection 8 hours a day.

Why do earmuffs hurt?

If your ear plugs hurt and fall out all the time you are probably using foam ear plugs. They expand in your ear canal which creates a great seal against sound but causes pressure in your ear canal. This can be highly uncomfortable and cause the plugs to push themselves out of your ears all the time.