So far, we’ve covered a few different types of earplugs, including modern pass-through plugs and more traditional silicone putty plugs. However, this list wouldn’t be complete without the tried-and-true foam earplugs beloved by everyone from construction workers to landscapers and even those who struggle to get a good night’s sleep.
One of the top names in foam plugs is Howard Leight Disposable Foam Earplugs. These are the standard high-visibility earplugs you’ll see on job sites all around the country. Foam plugs are an excellent way to block out harmful sounds. The downside is that they don’t allow a lot of non-harmful noise to enter your ears. That means you won’t be able to hear comms, music, or traffic noises clearly wearing foam plugs, but you will get solid hearing protection with an NRR of 32 dB.
Even though they’re disposable, you can use foam plugs more than once. However, you’ll probably want to limit your uses to two or three times before throwing them out. That’s okay, though, because you can grab a 50-pack of Howard Leight plugs for $16.95 from the Honeywell website or a 200-pack for $26.95 from Amazon. The plugs have excellent reviews and could be a solid choice for those who value complete protection over a pass-through feature.
