Over-protection From Noise

When it comes to noise reduction, over-protection can be dangerous

While hearing loss associated with excessive noise is a major issue in many industries, over-protection from noise may also cause difficulties - particularly with communication and hearing warning signals.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSA) says that hearing protection which reduces the level of noise to below 70 decibels, should be avoided.

Not only can this cause communication issues, but it can also lead to employees feeling isolated from their environment, and therefore potential safety risks. It will also increase the likelihood that employees will remove hearing protection in certain circumstances to enable them to hear better, leading to renewed issues with noise at work.

Hearing Protection Calculator

The table gives an indication of the protector factor that is likely to be suitable for different levels of noise - the noise level during a particular work task, not the daily personal noise exposure. The table is based on the single number rating (SNR) value provided with a hearing protection device.

A-weighted noise level (dB)	Select a protector with an SNR of...
85-90	20 or less
90 - 95	20 - 30
95 - 100	25 - 35
100 - 105	30 or more
Avoid reducing below 70 dB

Due to minimum standards for noise reduction in the updated hearing standard, there are now fewer options for low level protection. Consider the use of custom moulded earplugs or protection with level dependent functionality.

Selecting the Right Hearing Protection

It is essential that employees are given the correct level of protection, whatever their work environment. A lack of protective measures will not keep people safe or meet legal obligations, but over-protection can increase risks from other hazards in the workplace, such as moving vehicles.

Hearing protection calculators provide an accurate way of selecting hearing protection suitable to the noise frequency measured in the workplace. By entering the noise measurements, they analyse the data to distinguish the suitability of hearing protection.

This free calculator will help you evaluate the effectiveness of your hearing protection.

Download Free Calculator

Recommended Products

View our comprehensive range of hearing protection products including earplugs, ear defenders and communication solutions.

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Code:3M0513

€3,266.08

Each | Ex VAT Inc VAT

Code:2M0025

€136.85

Pairs | Ex VAT Inc VAT

uvex Whisper Corded Reusable Earplugs (Pack of 50 Pairs)

Code:240900

€71.54

Box | Ex VAT Inc VAT

Code:201400

€533.27

Each | Ex VAT Inc VAT

Code:202000

€2,775.25

Each | Ex VAT Inc VAT

Sources and Useful References

HSE: Over protection

All Expert Advice

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