This study was conducted to evaluate the perceived discomfort and user preferences associated with the wearing of earplugs. Fifty subjects were tested under five different types of earplugs. Subject responses to a series of 7-interval, bi-polar scales and rankings were obtained. The bipolar scales were reduced to a single-number rating, or Comfort Index (CI). Nonparametric analysis of the CI indicated that pre-formed, plastic earplugs were perceived as causing more discomfort than user-molded earplugs. Nonparametric analyses of the rank data also indicated differences among earplug designs for discomfort, ease of earplug insertion, and preferences.
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