I followed the directions as stated. I left the tapers in for over a hour to make sure my hole was stretched. The plug is larger than the taper so I had to force it into my ear. I couldn't get the plug to come out the back of my ear. I tried lube and forcing it, I even got in a hot bath and put my ear under the water for a few mins and the plug wouldn't go through. I wasted my money on this.