Hearing Protection: Safe and Sound

The sense of hearing is one of the most important and sensitive of the anatomy. It is exposed to a wide variety of noise loads every day and is continually under stress. Hearing loss due to the effects of chronic noise exposure is considered one of the most commonly recognised occupational health issues. It usually develops slowly and painlessly, which is why it is often detected too late. In order to prevent hearing loss, it is important to select the right hearing protection device, especially in noisy environments. This must be appropriate for the working conditions and the level of noise.

The following must be considered when selecting a hearing protection device:

Time worn (occasional, regular, constant wear for an 8-hour work day)
Noise experienced in the working environment
Fitting comfort
Effectiveness (sealing cushions)
Ease of use
Compatibility with other PPE (e.g. safety goggles)

Since the hearing protection device belongs to category III (serious consequences such as death or irreversible health damage) according to PPE regulation (EU) 2016/425, annual instruction is mandatory.

What is noise?

Noise is considered to be any unwanted loud sound, the perception of which is subjective. Sound is caused by the perception of vibrations that travel through the air as sound waves. The sound pressure level can be measured and is expressed in decibels (dB). Above 80 dB, the employer must provide suitable hearing protection devices. Above 85 dB, the wearing of a hearing protection device is mandatory and noisy areas must be indicated as such.

What are insulation values?

Two factors are decisive in determining the right hearing protection device: the noise level in the working environment and the insulation level of the hearing protection device. In terms of insulation values, a distinction is made between HML values and the SNR value. The HML values indicate the insulation performance at high (H), medium (M) or low (L) frequency respectively. The SNR (single number rating) value indicates the average insulation performance. Calculation using the SNR value is decisive in selecting the correct hearing protection device.

The noise level minus the insulation value results in the residual sound value. This should be in a range below 80 dB to prevent damage to hearing. Normal performance can be reduced due to incorrect wearing. This is because the insulating performance of the hearing protection device can be reduced by having a beard or longer hair, wearing goggles, by contamination or where ear plugs are incorrectly inserted.

Are you looking for the right hearing protection device for the construction site?

Use our SH 2000-S hard hat in combination with ear defenders for complete protection!

Insert your ear plugs correctly

Hearing protection device worn incorrectly offers only partial protection or none at all. Therefore, observe the following procedure when inserting ear plugs.