Guide to Ear Protection

Discover the critical importance of hearing protection in the workplace to safeguard health and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Reviewed by David Carmichael, Solution Engineer (March 2024)

Ear protection is a crucial aspect of personal protective equipment (PPE) for professionals working in noisy environments, participating in loud activities, or simply wanting to safeguard their hearing. By selecting the appropriate type of ear protection and using it correctly, you can significantly mitigate the risk of noise-induced hearing loss and other auditory-related issues.

This guide will discuss the different types of ear protection, when it's necessary, and the significance of personal protective equipment for your ears.

Types of Ear Protection

There are numerous ear protection options available to safeguard your hearing. Understanding when should ear protection be worn and selecting the appropriate type for your environment can significantly mitigate the risk of auditory damage.

Let's explore some of the most common types of ear protection for noise:

Ear Defenders

Also called ear protectors, ear defenders are essential noise ear protection in industrial settings. They provide robust protection where higher noise levels present a significant risk and require higher attenuation levels. This includes applications such as transportation, construction, and heavy machinery.

They cover the entire ear, providing superior noise reduction, and consist of two rigid ear cups with soft plastic cushions connected by a headband. This encloses the ears and creates a barrier against loud noises. Ear defenders are adjustable, ensuring a secure fit for different head sizes. They are available in headband, neckband, helmet-attachable, and folding models to meet the needs of most applications. They are a popular choice for hearing protection due to their ease of use and greater comfort.

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How to Wear Ear Defenders

To wear ear defenders correctly, position them over your ears and adjust the headband so the cushions exert even pressure around the ears. This will ensure a secure and comfortable fit with the best noise reduction. Ear defenders must fully enclose the ears to seal them against the head.

Remember to pull your hair back and out from beneath the cushions. Avoid wearing caps, storing pencils behind your ears, or doing anything else that may break the seal.

Ear Plugs

These small, discreet devices are typically made of foam, rubber, or thermoplastic elastomers. They fit snugly into the ear canal and create a seal to block out excessive noise effectively. Both disposable and reusable types of ear plug hearing protection are available:

Disposable Ear Plugs: These low-cost, single-use plugs are typically made from expandable, slow-recovery foam to combine comfort with protection. Once in the ear, foam plugs expand to provide a snug, secure custom fit. Disposable ear protection plugs protect against invasive noise in environments such as construction, metal fabrication, and factory production
Reusable Ear Plugs: Reusable earplugs are designed for multiple uses. They are made from long-lasting, flexible materials preformed to fit the ear, meaning no sizing is required. Reusable plugs are hygienic, economical, comfortable to wear, and generally available with a joining cord to prevent loss. They can usually be worn for longer periods than disposable alternatives

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How to Put Ear Plugs In

The best way to insert earplugs depends on the specific type of plug:

Disposable: Slowly roll and compress foam earplugs into a very thin cylinder. While compressed, gently insert the earplug into the ear canal. Once inserted, allow the plug to expand and create a snug fit. Fitting is easier if you reach around your head to pull the ear outward and upward during insertion
Reusable: Reach around the back of your head and pull outward on the ear while inserting the plug until you feel it seal. Note that this may seem tight at first, especially if you have never worn earplugs before
Banded: Direct the tips into the ear canal openings by holding and swivelling the large ends of the pods. The pods should be firmly pushed and wiggled into the ear canal to ensure a snug seal. It may also be helpful to pull on the outer ear while pushing the pods

Hearing Accessories

Hearing accessories can enhance your auditory protection. These accessories include hygiene kits containing replacement muffler pads and sealer rings for ear defenders, dispensers for quick and easy provision of disposable ear plugs, and battery chargers used for recharging headsets.

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When Should You Wear Ear Protection?

Ear protection is crucial in various sectors where employees are regularly exposed to high decibel levels. Long-term exposure to loud noises can cause permanent damage or hearing loss so strict adherence to safety standards and regulations is necessary. Ear protection signs in the workplace can provide reminders of these requirements.

Both employers and employees should understand the hearing protection safety standards and regulations in the UK. British Standard BS EN 352 provides guidelines for the design, performance, and testing of hearing protectors. This standard ensures that the ear protection devices meet the requirements for comfort and effective noise reduction.

At What Noise Level Does the Law State That You Must Wear Ear Protection?

In the UK, specific noise level thresholds mandate the use of ear protection. But when is ear protection required? Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, if the average daily noise exposure exceeds 80 decibels, employers are obligated to provide suitable hearing protection for their employees. Furthermore, if the peak sound pressure level surpasses 135 decibels, ear protection PPE is mandatory.

Continued exposure to noise above 80dB(A) may cause permanent hearing damage. In addition, noise at work can interfere with communications and make warnings more difficult to hear, causing additional safety concerns.

PPE Ear Protection

Ear protection is an essential element of personal protective equipment (PPE) for individuals working in noisy environments. It prevents long-term auditory damage and ensures employees' well-being.

When choosing the right ear protection, consider your employees' requirements and the noise levels at your workplace. Our range of ear protection products ensures that you can find the perfect solution for your specific needs.

Investing in high-quality ear protection demonstrates your commitment to your workforce's health and safety. At RS, we offer a comprehensive range of quality ear protection products designed to meet industry needs and safety standards.

Our PPE selection includes ear defenders and earplugs designed to provide optimal protection in various industrial environments. Browse our offering today to find the right ear protection solution for your requirements.

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