Earplugs

Earplugs are a form of personal protective equipment inserted into the ear canal to reduce environmental noise and protect hearing.
Rubix offers a wide range of solutions—including disposable, reusable, and refillable earplugs for earmuff bands. Our references are designed by leading industrial brands and fully comply with current professional safety standards.

Types of Earplugs
There are two main categories of earplugs:

• Standard earplugs: supplied as individual or corded pairs (connected with a string).
• Banded hearing protection: earplugs mounted on a flexible or rigid band.

Disposable Earplugs
Disposable earplugs are the most commonly used type.
Made from expandable foam, they conform to the ear canal for effective noise sealing.
Corded models are easy to remove and are ideal for intermittent use—helping to avoid misplacement.

Disposable earplugs typically offer noise reduction of around 30 dB.

Reusable Earplugs
Reusable earplugs are usually made from soft, hygienic materials (like silicone) for an ideal fit.
They are washable and designed for multiple uses.
Some models, such as Uvex reusable plugs, are corded for ease of handling.

They also resist moisture, making them suitable for humid environments or warm weather.
SNR (Single Number Rating) values vary by product—from approximately 30 dB to 37 dB.

Dispensers and Refills
Earplug dispensers offer high capacity (250, 400, or 500 pairs) and simplify the distribution of hearing protection across the workplace.
Refill bottles are available to restock installed dispensers quickly and efficiently.

Banded Hearing Protection
These systems consist of soft foam or elastic tips attached to a flexible or rigid band.
Banded models are quicker to apply and remove than standard earplugs.
They typically provide around 20 dB of noise reduction and are ideal for short-term or frequent-use situations.

Replacement Tips
The tips used on banded hearing protectors can be replaced.
Rubix offers a complete range of compatible replacement earplug tips for products from leading brands.

The Rubix Selection
Rubix earplugs fall under the Personal Hearing Protection (PHP) category and are compliant with EN 352-2, which defines standards for earplug performance.
We offer a wide selection from industry-leading manufacturers, including:

• Moldex
• 3M
• Howard Leight
• Uvex

Benefits of Earplugs

• Compact, lightweight, and easy to carry
• Provide effective hearing protection in loud environments
• Suitable for use in combination with other PPE

In some applications, earmuffs or headband-style protection may be more appropriate. Always assess based on the task.

How to Choose the Right Earplug
Several factors should be considered:

• Ambient noise level
• Duration of exposure
• Job requirements (communication, alarms, etc.)
• Ease of use
• Usage frequency (occasional, regular, daily)

What Are the Risks of Not Using Earplugs?
Prolonged noise exposure can lead to hearing damage, including:

• Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
• Partial or total hearing loss
• Sleep disturbances, stress, or depression, affecting both work and quality of life

Employer Obligations
Under occupational safety regulations, workers must not be exposed to average daily noise levels above 85 dB. Above 80 dB, employers are required to make hearing protection available.
At 85 dB or more, the use of hearing protection becomes mandatory.

Employers must:

• Assess risk levels
• Provide appropriate PPE
• Ensure compliance among employees

Employees, in turn, are required to wear the equipment provided.

Effective Hearing Protection for Every Workplace
To prevent hearing disorders, suitable and certified hearing protection is essential, and in some cases mandatory.

The right equipment depends on noise levels and task requirements.
Rubix offers a complete range of disposable and reusable earplugs, as well as banded options, to meet every professional need.