Many working environments, including various leisure activities, require hearing protection as personal protective equipment. It is important for employers and resellers to be educated in the different types of hearing protection and to what occupation they are designed for.
Before offering hearing protection to end-users you should learn the different types or options for hearing protectors there is, what to look for in terms of performance and overall suitability.
Different types of Hearing Protectors
Earmuffs
Earmuffs consist of sound-attenuating material and soft ear cushions that fit around the ear, creating a comfortable seal around them. They are held together by a head band or may be directly attached to a helmet.
Passive Hearing Protection Earmuffs
Passive hearing protectors are suitable for environments where communication through headsets is not a requirement.
For whom:
- Regular Consumers (leisure PPE)
- Factory worker
- Construction worker
- Production Manager
- Quality Control Inspector
View: Savox Passive Hearing Protectors
Communication Hearing Protectors
Communication hearing protectors are an important safety feature in many work environments. With communication hearing protection, you can protect your hearing safely while being aware of the environment and potential warning sounds. Your work efficiency is maintained when you can communicate with your colleagues via telephone or radio without leaving a noisy area.
For whom:
- Factory worker
- Construction worker
- Paper and forest industry
- Mining industry
- Aviation Industry
- Military (read more about tactical hearing protection)
View: Savox Communication Hearing Protection Headsets
Earplugs and Semi-insert earplugs
Earplugs are inserted in the ear canal. They may be molded for individuals or moldable, rolldown foam, push-to-fit, or custom molded. Disposable, reusable, and custom earplugs are available.
Semi-insert earplugs consist of two earplugs held over the ends of the ear canal by a rigid headband. They seal the ear canal at or near its entrance. They are held in position by a tension band which is typically worn under the chin or behind the neck.
Earplugs can, and are sometimes, combined with earmuffs to provide an extra layer of protection.
For whom:
- Construction Industry
- Factory worker
- Transport Industry
- Musicians
- Motorsport
All of the aforementioned industries or professions require hearing protection, which is why the categories overlap. Choosing the correct hearing protection is actually based on the environmental requirements.
What to look for in terms of hearing protector’s performance?
The first feature to look for when considering any type of hearing protection is noise attenuation or noise reduction value. Hearing protectors are always serving the purpose of limiting noise that may be harmful to the ear. Noise attenuation is the hearing protectors primary feature, which should be matched to the environment in which it will be used.
What is Noise Attenuation?
Noise attenuation values are used as indicators of how much noise the user will be protected from. Every hearing protector is required to have noise reduction values. The SNR (Single Number Rating) indicates an insulation value averaged over the relevant frequencies. An SNR value of 35 dB, for example, absorbs 100 dB and reduces it to 65 dB.
In addition to noise attenuation most of the required features are dependent on personal preference. Here is a checklist we’ve designed to help you take all high priority features into consideration.
Choosing the Correct Hearing Protection Checklist:
- Correct and suitable for the job/ operation
- Provides adequate protection and noise attenuation - Check the manufacturer's information and instructions.
- Compatible with other required personal protective equipment, or communication devices.
- Comfortable enough to be worn for long periods of time.
- Appropriate for the temperature and humidity in the workplace.
- Able to provide adequate communication and audibility needs (e.g., the ability to hear alarms or warning sounds).
- Has the option to change earmuffs for hygiene purposes
Conclusion:
Become conscious of the various options available when offering hearing protectors. Understand the environmental requirements and conditions the hearing protection device is going to be used in. Also remember personal preferences and other occupational needs.
Savox offers professional hearing protection designed for personal and professional use. Read more about our Audio Products here!
We have designed a guide for distributors and resellers to navigate in the world of hearing protection. Download it now!
