Selecting The Right Hearing Protection

With the potential for hearing loss so high when it comes to noise at work, it's imperative that you choose quality products that suit the job, workplace and employee.

When supplying hearing protection, employers are obligated to choose hearing protection that's suitable for the task and environment. They must also provide training on the use of the equipment and understand how to clean, maintain and when to replace their protection.

• Types of protector, and suitability for the work being carried out
• Noise reduction (attenuation) offered by the protection
• Frequency of the noise
• Compatibility with other safety equipment e.g. hard hats, masks and eye protection
• Pattern of the noise exposure
• The need to communicate and hear warning sounds
• Environmental factors such as heat, humidity, dust and dirt
• Cost of maintenance or replacement
• Comfort and user preference
• Medical disorders suffered by the wearer

Personal hearing protection must feature a permanent EN mark to fulfil the standards prescribed by the relevant legislation

EN standards for personal hearing protection to be aware of include:

Measuring noise levels in the workplace to ensure exposure is kept to a minimum is an important part of any hearing conservation programme. Noise measurement helps to identify areas where noise is a problem and employees who may be affected. It also helps to ensure the protection levels are maintained.

A Class 2 meter at a minimum is required to conduct a noise risk assessment.

Earplugs fit into the ear or cover the ear canal to form a seal. They're especially suited for use with safety glasses and other forms of personal protective equipment, where compatibility might be an issue.

Correct fitting of earplugs is essential to make sure you get the best fit. Follow our top tips to fitting earplugs to achieve the level of protection stated on the product.

Designed to provide a perfect fit to the individual and a level of protection matched to the working environment.

Ever wondered how custom moulded earplugs are manufactured? Follow the journey from the ear impression to the final custom moulded hearing protection.

The validation process enables you to identify if your employees are receiving optimal protection from their hearing devices, if they require any additional training and highlights if it is the right solution for them.

Read our white paper outlining how to select the right levels of protection and explore how and why not all hearing protection devices fit everyone.

Enable individuals working in high noise environments to communicate efficiently and safely, hear warning signals and eliminate the tendency to remove hearing protection in situations where it is required.

There are many benefits of investing in communication solutions including better productivity, improved safety and improved efficiency.

Ear defenders fit over and surround the ears with a cushioned seal. The inner surface of the cups provides the hearing protection with a sound-absorbing material. It is vital that ear defenders are compatible with other personal protective equipment.

Follow our top tips on fitting ear defenders to ensure the best level of protection and compatibility with other PPE.

Health surveillance must be performed when an employee is exposed to noise frequency that is above the upper action value.

Health surveillance monitors the health of your hearing and helps to identify early signs of hearing loss and demonstrates if corrective measures need to be enforced.

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