Key Features

• Flip mechanism — fastest mode switch available: A single flip motion moves from NRR 24 in-canal protection to NRR 4 open mode without removing the earplug from the ear. Faster and more intuitive than rotate-valve designs for workers who frequently switch between noise and conversation.
• NRR 4 open mode: Near-open hearing with minimal passive attenuation — designed for clear, unimpeded conversation. Unlike the BattlePlug's passive acoustic filter open mode, Flip-to-Listen open mode is optimized for natural hearing rather than impulse noise filtering.
• Retains during conversation: The flipped earplug rests in the outer ear (concha) rather than dangling — the earplug is always at the ear, not swinging on the cord.
• NRR 24 full protection: Flip back to in-canal position to restore NRR 24 hearing protection — 8.5 dB(A) effective after OSHA 50% derating, covering environments up to ~98.5 dB(A).
• Reusable and washable: Solid TPE construction — wash with soap and water and air dry. One pair designed for extended multi-week use.

Flip-to-Listen vs. BattlePlug — Choosing the Right Dual-Mode Earplug

Choose the Flip-to-Listen when clear conversation in open mode is the priority — the NRR 4 open mode is optimized for speech intelligibility. Choose the BattlePlug when open-mode impulse noise attenuation is the priority — the passive valve filter attenuates high-peak sounds while allowing moderate sounds through, which is the preferred design for firearms use.

Applications

• Supervisors and quality control: Workers who give or receive verbal instructions frequently throughout the shift — flip open for conversation, flip closed when returning to the production floor.
• Maintenance technicians: Enter noise zones for equipment checks, exit for planning conversation — the flip mechanism is faster and more reliable than repeated insertion/removal of disposable foam.
• Construction foremen: Coordinate crew on active sites — open for walkie-talkie or direct conversation, closed during equipment operation.
• Warehouse and logistics: Workers moving between loud dock areas and quieter office/admin zones multiple times per shift.
• Healthcare and cleanroom entry/exit: Workers passing in and out of equipment rooms or mechanical spaces adjacent to quiet work areas.

NRR 24 Protection — Environmental Coverage

For environments above ~98.5 dB(A) TWA, add earmuffs over the Flip-to-Listen for dual protection, or use a higher-NRR earplug (SparkPlugs NRR 33, effective 13 dB(A)) when dual-mode capability is not required.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 Compliance

The Flip-to-Listen satisfies OSHA hearing conservation requirements when used in the closed (in-canal) position with NRR 24 providing adequate attenuation for measured TWA. Apply 50% derating: (24−7)÷2 = 8.5 dB(A) effective. Single-protector coverage extends to ~98.5 dB(A) TWA. Include flip-mechanism training in employee hearing conservation program instruction — workers must understand that open mode (NRR 4) does not satisfy hearing protection requirements in noise zones at or above the Action Level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Flip-to-Listen come in multiple sizes?

The Flip-to-Listen is designed as a one-size-fits-most adult earplug. If workers have difficulty achieving a seal in the closed position, try the Moldex BattlePlug which comes in XS, S, M, and L sizes for precise canal-diameter matching.

Is open mode (NRR 4) safe in any noise environment?

NRR 4 (effective ~−1.5 dB(A) after OSHA derating — effectively no meaningful attenuation) is designed for conversation in areas at or near ambient noise levels, not for use in areas above the Action Level (85 dB(A) TWA). Do not use open mode in noise zones — flip to the closed position before entering any area requiring hearing protection.

How long do Flip-to-Listen earplugs last?

The solid TPE construction is designed for multi-month use. Inspect the hinge mechanism periodically — replace if the hinge becomes loose or fails to hold position in either mode. Wash with soap and water after each shift and dry completely before storage. Unlike BattlePlugs, there are no replaceable tips — the entire unit is replaced when worn.

Can I use Flip-to-Listen for firearms?

The Flip-to-Listen is not optimized for impulse noise — the open mode provides NRR 4 (near-open hearing) rather than passive impulse filtering. For firearms use, the Moldex BattlePlug open mode is specifically designed to attenuate impulse sounds while allowing lower-level sounds through. Use the BattlePlug for shooting sports; use the Flip-to-Listen for conversational switching in industrial environments.