Abstract: A comfortable, less rigid, reverse fitting earplug having at least the equivalent sound blocking surface area contact and seal of conventional push-in earplugs without uncomfortable counter forces on the ear canal from rigidity in the constructive material is disclosed. The reverse fitting earplug comprises concave flanges constructed of soft memory plastic materials, which reverse direction from generally concave forward to generally convex forward upon insertion into the ear canal. Surface contact and seal are maintained by the tendency of the flange material to return to its originally molded concave shape. Pressure forces from rigid structural material are not necessary to hold the reverse fitting earplug in place. The reverse fitting earplug can be comfortably worn for extended periods that cannot be achieved with conventional pressure force reliant designs. When a user removes the reverse fitting earplug the flanges automatically return to their originally molded concave shape.

Abstract: An earplug is described, with a metal insert that enables the earplug to be detected if it falls in a vat of food or other material during industrial processing, wherein the insert can be very easily attached, with or without a cord, to even an earplug body formed of resilient foam. The earplug includes a molded earplug body (12) having an axis (16) extending in forward and rearward directions. The earplug includes a detectable insert (14) attached to the rear portion (22) of the body, the insert comprising a fastener having a shaft (32) extending through a hole (30) in the rearward portion of the body and having a pair of flanges (34, 36) at opposite sides of the rearward portion, with foam body material compressed between the flanges. A cord (96) is attached to the earplug, the cord having a wrapped end part (110) that is wrapped around the shaft and which is compressed between a flange (34) and the compressed portion of the earplug body.