This method of ear protection includes plugs or otoplastics, which offer light, moderate, and heavy noise reduction. The ear plugs, ear buds, and ear stoppers are placed into the end of the ear canal. Most ear plugs allow low level surrounding noises to pass through, while the harder and heavier models can reduce noise up to 30 dB. Their greatest advantage is that the user is not completely closed off from the surroundings by wearing hearing protection. Furthermore, ear plugs are less visible, which can make the user for more at ease.

Otoplastics are ear plugs made to measure that can offer protection up to 30 dB(A). Typically, these are made specifically for the level of noise reduction that is necessary in the workplace, so that they do not dampen any more noise than is absolutely required. This improves the degree of comfort in wearing them. Otoplastics must be tested annually for leakage and sufficient noise-reduction properties.

This method of hearing protection has two drawbacks:

- Ear plugs are often placed into the ear canal improperly, which results in insufficient dampening

- Ear plugs are not always the most hygienic option and health complaints sometimes arise.