How to Choose the Right Hearing Protection
How to choose the right hearing protection, If you are exposed to unavoidable noise at work for too long then it can damage your hearing. Overexposure to loud sounds can be hazardous and could cause long-term hearing problems or permanent damage.
If you have the wrong protection or are not using it correctly, this could result in hearing loss, tinnitus or not being able to understand everyday speech against background noise.
The best way to avoid this is to reduce exposure by moving away from the noise, turning it down, or limiting your time spent in the noisy area.
Often these solutions are not a viable option in the workplace, so ensuring you have the right hearing protection is important.
You should always seek to control noise levels at work and as an employer you need to protect your employees from noise. Here is some information to help you.
Protecting Your Hearing Against Loud Noises
All hearing protection has a Single Number Rating (SNR). The more noise insulation you require means finding noise protectors with a higher SNR. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have a useful SNR table.
To work out the SNR that you require means establishing the noise levels in your environment. Your employer should do this in order to clearly define hearing protection zones. Once you have worked out the daily exposure levels and maximum peak noises, a noise map is created which in turn will determine your SNR.
You do not want to overprotect your ears. A fine balance is required when selecting the right noise protection. If you block out all the noise (overprotection), then you run the risk of not being able to communicate effectively, you can feel isolated and may not hear any warning alarms.
The average industrial workplace noise exposure levels are usually less than 95 dBA. Most workers only require around 10 dB of noise reduction to meet recommended exposure limits. Almost all ear protectors, when worn correctly, provide around 10 dB of sound reduction.
How to Choose the Right Hearing Protection
There is a wide variety of hearing protection available, picking the right ones depends on the following factors:
Comfort – both earplugs and high-attenuation earmuffs can be uncomfortable if worn incorrectly or for extended periods of time. Try both out and see what feels better. Earmuffs are considerably bigger and bulkier; think about what other protection you may be using such as eyewear. Earmuffs may get in the way of other PPE being worn and could therefore be more of a hindrance.
Weight – Earplugs are small, compact and very light. Earmuffs are larger, heavier and more cumbersome. Some workers end up removing heavier PPE and using earplugs which may not have the same level of protection required. Selecting a lighter-weight earmuff will be more comfortable, and may allow you to hear warning alarms whilst still providing the right level of protection.
Environment – Consider your workplace, is it hot or cold? Will your hands be oily or dirty? Environmental factors should be considered. In hot and humid workplaces, earmuffs may cause sweating so try PVC foam earplugs that resist moisture. In colder or windy conditions earmuffs will help keep workers warm. Lightweight, banded earplugs and washable versions are also available depending on conditions.
Communication – Selecting the right Hearing Protection Device (HPD) will affect how much sound you can hear. As long as you wear the hearing protection as per the user instructions and the HPDs have the correct amount of noise reduction then you will still be able to hear well enough.
If HPDs are inconvenient, uncomfortable or interfere with the ability of workers to hear or communicate then the proportion of time spent wearing them will decrease. This is known as wear time and you want to ensure hearing protection is worn all of the time when needed.
If the HPDs are not convenient or compatible with the work being carried out or other PPE gets in the way, then they are less likely to be used. You need to be protected from loud sounds but you also need to be able to communicate effectively in the workplace.
Hearing Protection Types
From earplugs to earmuffs, there are many variations of ear protection out there. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders breaks them down here.
Disposable foam earplugs are the most commonly used HPD. They physically plug your ear canal, and so offer the highest form of hearing protection. There are several different types available from disposable to washable, banded and corded, or loose. As they sit inside your ear other workers may not know you are wearing them which can make communication difficult.
Pros – Comfortable in the ear canal. High noise reduction. Low price point. Easy to fit.
Cons – Can reduce hearing more than other HPDs. Can be uncomfortable.
Earmuffs / ear defenders cover the entire ear with a cup which deadens sound. A headband worn over your head keeps pressure on the earmuffs and keeps sound out. One size usually fits all, especially as they have adjustability. They can be seen when worn, meaning that workers communicating over long distances can see whether you can hear well or not.
Pros – One size to fit all. Not easily lost. Can be worn if you have an ear infection.
Cons – Less portable than earplugs. Difficult to wear with other PPE such as safety goggles. Must be fitted correctly in order to work effectively.
Canal caps are attached to a band which can be worn around your head or neck. They can be placed into your ears when they are needed and so are very convenient. They are best used in environments where the sound level comes and goes and only provide suitable protection against moderate noise levels.
Pros – Easy to use and insert. Super convenient. Difficult to lose them. Reusable.
Cons – Do not provide a high level of protection. May not be sanitary due to reuse.
Comfort and Convenience
Once you have decided on what level of protection you require and what type of HPD provides ample protection then the choice is down to you. Think about your daily tasks, work environment and comfort when selecting any PPE. Hearing protection only works when you wear it properly and constantly.
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require employers to risk assess noise. At Workplace Exposure, we can help by measuring the sound levels present in your workplace using sophisticated instruments for static and personal dosimetry in our noise at work survey. Find out more
How Can Workplace Exposure Help?
Here at Workplace Exposure, we can help measure the sound levels present in your workplace using sophisticated instruments for static and personal dosimetry in our Noise at Work survey. Our qualified and experienced occupational hygienists are highly competent and will carry out the noise monitoring survey by making relevant observations, assessing the situation and detailing where more control is required.
Once we have outlined the measures you need to undertake to achieve noise control, we will provide you with information that can help you complete your noise risk assessment.
For more help with your occupational noise exposure, get in touch with our expert team today.
Our approach
Get in touch with Workplace Exposure. Either give us a call on 0800 689 4386, or fill in our enquiry form to discuss your monitoring or consultancy requirements.
We’ll then provide you with a no-obligation proposal, we can often give an initial idea of fees whilst we discuss your needs.
Once you’ve accepted our proposal, we can then schedule the work.
Following our site visit we’ll provide you with a comprehensive report giving you advice, recommendations and control measures where appropriate. Implement the outcomes for compliance and a happier healthier workplace.