What is an important practice for maintaining hearing protection devices?

Cleaning hearing protection devices regularly is essential for maintaining their efficacy and ensuring user comfort. Over time, these devices can accumulate dirt, sweat, and other contaminants that may not only reduce their effectiveness but can also lead to skin irritations or infections. Regular cleaning helps to preserve the material integrity of the devices, ensuring that they fit well and provide the necessary noise reduction.

While storing them in a dry area helps maintain their condition, it does not actively contribute to their functionality as cleaning does. Using them only when loud noise is present can lead to inconsistent protection, and keeping them at the workstation might be convenient but does not guarantee proper maintenance or hygiene. Thus, regular cleaning stands out as a crucial practice for both the effectiveness of the devices and the health of the users.