Section 1926.101 - Hearing protection(a) Wherever it is not feasible to reduce the noise levels or duration of exposures to those specified in Table D-2, Permissible Noise Exposures, in § 1926.52 , ear protective devices shall be provided and used.(b) Ear protective devices inserted in the ear shall be fitted or determined individually by competent persons.(c) Plain cotton is not an acceptable protective device.