1. Ear Muffs are better than earplugs

Answer: FALSE: Earmuffs and earplugs are simply different types of hearing protector--which can be equally effective in reducing noise exposure. Temperature in the workplace, other protective equipment worn and individual anatomical differences may influence the selection of plugs or muffs.

2. Users of earplugs get more ear infections than the general population

Answer: FALSE: This is a common misperception; however research indicates ear infections happen very rarely with earplug users.

3. More protection is always better

Answer: FALSE: More noise reduction is not always desirable--it may block too much sound, so that workers can't hear warning signals or important verbal instructions, especially for individuals who already have some hearing loss.

4. One kind of hearing protector should work for everybody.

Answer: FALSE: There is no universal hearing protector appropriate or acceptable to all workers.