Hearing Protection Buying Guide

Hearing protection is a much-needed accessory for many people. Anyone who works in an industry that exposes them to loud noise on a regular basis needs ear defenders. Ear defenders or earmuffs are a piece of personal protection equipment (PPE). You wear them over your ears to protect them from loud noises. If you are exposed to loud noises, then you may permanently damage your hearing.

Sometimes people get an ear disorder known as tinnitus – which is a ringing in the ears; sometimes, you can get permanent hearing loss. Either way, it is not a desirable outcome. So, this means that hearing protection is essential. To help you choose the right protection for your needs, here is a buyer’s guide to purchasing the right hearing protection.

Ear Defenders

In most cases, ear defenders have a thick headband made of thermoplastic or even metal, and the pieces argon the ear is made of acoustic foam. The acoustic foam absorbs sound waves and prevents them from reaching the ears. It does this by increasing the resistance between the sound waves and air, reducing the amplification of the waves.

The process of sound waves weakening is known as attenuation, and you can increase attenuation by wearing earplugs and ear defenders simultaneously. If loud sounds are not a constant hazard for you, ear defenders may be the best choice. Using them excessively can become uncomfortable. They are also very easy to remove and put back on again.

Earplugs

Earplugs are a great choice to reduce loud sounds. Moreover, earplugs have other uses. Due to the fact they sit in the ear canal, they can stop water from penetrating your ear and they can stop objects and dust from entering your ears too. The protection they offer is superior as they sit inside the ear itself, and as they are small, you can wear other PPE like ear defenders or eyewear at the same time with no issues.

There are various types of earplugs you can buy, from colored ones to detectable earplugs, which are great in the workplace if you take them off, as they hang around your neck. Importantly they can be washed and reused.

Protecting Hearing in the Workplace

Your employer has a responsibility to protect their worker’s hearing. They need to put measures in place to ensure that the noise levels do not exceed a certain level. If there are noise hazards, then controls have to be implemented to reduce any exposure to the sounds. These measures include creating a quieter workplace, implementing silencers or potentially moving employees away from the source of the sound.

It may be impossible to eliminate all the sounds in the work environment. Anything above 85 decibels means that workers have to wear ear protection, and the employer must provide it. Any sound above 80 decibels, the employer must perform a risk assessment. If sounds exceed 87 decibels – after the hearing protection has been taken into account.

Measuring Noise Levels

There are many things that can help you make an educated decision about the right hearing protection. Single number rating (SNR) system – this is a value that is used to compare the level of attenuation which the safety equipment offers. A high SNR means that more sound is attenuated, so it offers better protection. Decibels is the unit of measurement given to the intensity of the sound. Anything over 85 decibels is dangerous and can damage your hearing.

How to Choose Ear Protection

The right protection not only reduces sound below way 85 decibels but also fits you well. So, remember that. You should look at the frequency and the pitch of the sound hazard, or choose the protection based on the industry or you can choose based on the risk assessment.

How to Maintain Your Ear Protection

Some of the parts, such as the ear pads or ear pods, can be replaced on some models. Clearly, how much you use these items will affect how often they need to be replaced. However, a good rule of thumb is to follow the manufacturer’s guidance.

Things to check out for are the headbands and the cups; ensure that these thighs are not split or cracked. Ensure that the foam has not been distorted or deformed, as this will prevent attenuation. Always ensure that you keep your ear cushions clean and sanitized too.

If you need assistance picking out the right ear protection for your hobbies or lifestyle, give the staff at Clifton Springs Hearing Center a call at 315-496-4314 and schedule your appointment today!