Key Features

• NRR 33 hearing protection: Softies earplugs provide NRR 33 — 13.0 dB(A) effective attenuation under OSHA's (NRR−7)÷2 derating formula.
• PlugStation Dispenser Box: Organized point-of-use dispensing reduces waste, improves compliance, and keeps earplugs clean and accessible.
• Corded: Neck cord prevents dropped earplugs — especially valuable in machinery-dense environments and for workers who remove and re-insert earplugs frequently throughout a shift.
• Metal-detectable: Foam and cord formulated for metal detector and X-ray system detection — required for HACCP foreign body control in food and pharma facilities.
• Moldex quality: Moldex manufactures all foam earplugs in the USA with PVC-free materials and maintains full NIOSH/ANSI testing compliance.
• Program scalability: Available in multiple earplug families and dispenser configurations to standardize across facilities or customize per-department.

Applications

• Manufacturing and assembly: Fixed dispenser stations at entry points, break rooms, and high-noise machinery access — ensures earplugs are always available.
• Construction and contractor sites: PlugStation format requires no installation — position at job-site entry, tool cribs, or staging areas.
• Food processing and packaging: Metal-detectable format required wherever earplugs are worn near open product. Satisfies HACCP foreign body audit requirements.
• Healthcare and cleanroom: Dispenser format keeps earplugs hygienic and prevents loose earplug contamination of clean areas.
• Government and institutional: Dispenser programs simplify OSHA recordkeeping and demonstrate documented hearing conservation compliance.
• Logistics and warehousing: High earplug throughput — dispenser format reduces per-pair cost versus individual vending or cabinet storage.

NRR 33 Noise Reduction — What It Means in Your Environment

The NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) is determined under ANSI S3.19 laboratory conditions. OSHA requires facilities to apply a 50% derating factor: effective protection = (NRR − 7) ÷ 2 = 13.0 dB(A).

For noise environments above 103 dB(A), dual protection (earplugs + earmuffs worn simultaneously) is required. Dual protection adds approximately 5–10 dB of additional effective attenuation beyond the higher-rated protector alone.

Other Softies Dispenser Options

Moldex Disposable Earplug Family Comparison

Browse the full Moldex Earplug Collection or use the Moldex Earplug Selection Guide to find the right earplug and dispenser combination for your facility.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 Hearing Conservation Compliance

OSHA's Hearing Conservation Standard (29 CFR 1910.95) requires employers to implement a hearing conservation program whenever workers are exposed to noise at or above the action level of 85 dB(A) as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). The full standard requires:

• Noise monitoring: Measure worker TWA exposures to determine who triggers the Action Level (85 dB(A)) and PEL (90 dB(A)).
• Hearing protection: Provide appropriate earplugs or earmuffs when engineering controls alone cannot reduce exposure to or below the PEL.
• Audiometric testing: Baseline and annual hearing tests for all workers exposed at or above the Action Level.
• Training: Annual training on noise hazards, proper earplug use, and audiometric testing results.
• Recordkeeping: Maintain audiometric test records and noise exposure measurements.

Dispenser programs support OSHA compliance by ensuring earplugs are consistently available, documenting usage quantities, and reducing friction that causes workers to skip hearing protection. Moldex Softies NRR 33 earplugs, with 13.0 dB(A) effective attenuation, protect workers in environments up to 103 dB(A) at the OSHA PEL limit with a single protector. Contact WC Safety for bulk pricing on dispenser programs supporting 100+ workers.

Metal-Detectable Design for Food Safety and HACCP Compliance

This earplug and its cord are formulated for metal-detectable and X-ray visible detection. A lost or dropped earplug will trigger inline metal detectors and X-ray inspection systems used in food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and other regulated production environments.

Under HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) programs, foreign body control is a critical preventive measure. Traditional foam earplugs — soft, small, and non-metallic — can pass through standard food-safety screening undetected. Moldex metal-detectable earplugs eliminate this risk category.

• Metal-detectable foam formulation and cord
• X-ray visible at standard inspection energies
• Same NRR 33 protection as standard Softies earplugs
• Compliant with HACCP foreign body control plans
• Corded design further reduces drop risk — cord stays with worker

If your facility requires documented foreign body control for PPE worn near open food or product streams, metal-detectable earplugs are the correct choice over standard foam alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the EcoStation XL, EcoStation 500, TouchFree EcoStation, and PlugStation?

The EcoStation XL is the highest-capacity wall-mount dispenser (500 pairs) designed for high-traffic areas. The EcoStation 500 is a compact version (250 pairs) for secondary stations or smaller worksites. The TouchFree EcoStation uses a proximity sensor to dispense one pair at a time without hand contact — required for hygiene-sensitive environments. The PlugStation is a self-contained box dispenser requiring no installation, ideal for portable programs or small job sites.

Do I need to buy the dispenser unit and refills separately?

No — the PlugStation is a complete self-contained unit. No separate dispenser hardware needed; the box itself is the dispenser.

Are Moldex dispenser earplugs approved for single-use only?

Yes — all Moldex foam earplugs in dispenser format are designed for single-shift use. Once removed, the foam will not re-compress and re-expand consistently enough to maintain the original acoustic seal. Dispose after each shift and use a fresh pair. For reusable options, see the Moldex Rockets, Alphas, or Jetz earplugs in the Moldex Earplug Collection.

How do I insert Softies earplugs correctly to achieve NRR 33?

Roll the earplug between your fingers to compress it, insert into the ear canal, and hold in place while it expands to form an acoustic seal. Poor insertion is the leading cause of inadequate protection. Instruct workers during initial training and verify technique periodically. With proper fit, Softies earplugs should be barely visible from the front when correctly seated.

When is NRR 33 not sufficient and dual protection is required?

When effective exposure after OSHA derating still exceeds 90 dB(A) — that is, when the noise environment exceeds approximately 103 dB(A) — dual protection (earplugs plus earmuffs) is required. Dual protection adds roughly 5–10 dB over the higher-rated protector alone. For extreme noise (110+ dB(A)), consult an industrial hygienist and consider engineering controls as the primary mitigation.

Can I use these dispenser earplugs in a food processing or pharmaceutical facility?

Yes — this product is specifically formulated with metal-detectable and X-ray visible foam and cord, making it appropriate for food processing, pharmaceutical, and other HACCP-regulated environments near open product streams.