ear canal. Earplugs are also a possible cause of ear inflammation (otitis externa), although the short-term use of earplugs when swimming and shampooing hair may actually help prevent it. Still, many pathogenic bacteria grow well on warm, moist, foam-type plugs (polyvinylchloride (PVC) or polyurethane). However, there need also be a loss of integrity of the skin for infection to occur. Hard and poorly fitting earplugs can scratch the skin of the ear canal and set off an episode. When earplugs are used during an acute episode, disposable plugs are recommended, or used plugs must be cleaned and dried properly to avoid contaminating the healing ear canal with infected discharge. See also Hearing protection fit-testing Noise-induced hearing loss Occupational hearing loss Safe-in-Sound award References External links OSHA's letter of interpretation on hearing protection-fit-testing Royal National Institute for Deaf people National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health - Hearing Protector Device Compendium NIOSH Science Blog: NIOSH HPD Well-Fit™: The Future is Fit-Testing Protective gear Noise control Articles containing video clips Occupational safety and health Audiology