Selecting hearing protection for the real world

Hearing protection needs to perform at the intended level in real-world applications to effectively reduce workers’ exposure. When selecting ear defenders, in addition to assessing the noise hazard and consulting attenuation data, it is important to consider how products perform in the workplace.

Accounting for real-world factors

The HSE recommend derating the performance of ear defenders by 4 dB to allow for real-world factors that affect attenuation. Incorrect fitting, as well as interference from spectacles and other PPE, can prevent the ear defender from sealing properly and reduce protection.

When selecting ear defenders using the octave-band, HML or SNR methods, add 4 dB to the noise level. This accounts for real-world protection in the calculation and provides a better indication of the noise reduction offered to wearers.

L108 contains more information about accounting for real-world factors when selecting hearing protection.

Overprotection

Choosing the highest level of attenuation is not necessarily best. Noise is one of the only risks against which it is possible to overprotect the wearer.

In hazardous environments, being able to hear important sounds in the surroundings is essential for safety. If the attenuation offered by an ear defender is too high, the wearer may be prevented from hearing warning signals and approaching vehicles, reducing situational awareness and introducing additional risk.

Find out more about overprotection.

Compatibility

Selecting the correct attenuation level is important, but protection can be compromised if ear defenders are used with incompatible products. Ear defenders create a tight seal to offer protection. The headband, helmet or faceshield work with the ear defender attachments to exert a specified level of force to seal the cushion around the wearer’s ear.

When an ear defender has not been tested with a helmet or faceshield, the force created by the products working together is unknown. If the resulting force is too low, hearing protection is reduced, and the wearer is exposed to harmful noise. If the force is too high, the wearer is made uncomfortable and there is a risk of overprotection.

Users of hearing protection should ensure that their selected ear defenders are tested and certified in combination with compatible helmets and faceshields. Testing verifies the performance of each combination working together. Change in headband force is assessed to ensure ear defenders perform at the intended level throughout foreseeable use. As a category III product under the PPE Regulation, ear defenders are subject to ongoing monitoring via independent testing or auditing, making sure the PPE continues to offer protection.

Eye protection and prescription glasses can affect the ear defender seal if fitted underneath the cushion. It is also important to ensure that ear jewellery and hair do not interfere with the seal.

Learn more about ear defender compatibility.

Hearing protection needs to perform at the intended level when in use to safely reduce noise exposure. Accounting for real-world factors, avoiding overprotection and ensuring compatibility helps to make sure ear defenders provide appropriate protection in the workplace.

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Find out more about hearing protection in the workplace.

Get information on hearing protection standards.