Ear defenders or ear muffs are PPE (personal protective equipment) designed to protect the wearer from extreme noises. The head-band and outer covering is usually made from a hard thermoplastic or metal. The protection usually comes from acoustic foam &#; this absorbs sound waves by increasing air resistance, thus reducing the amplitude of the waves.
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Ear defenders can be carried on a head-band or clipped onto the sides of a hard hat. Sometimes ear defenders have built in radio and music systems or two-way communications.
The process of losing sound energy, known as attenuation, can be heightened by using earplugs in conjunction with earmuffs.
There are also thermal earmuffs, worn in cold environments to keep a person&#;s ears warm with pads of cloth or fur; however this guide will focus on ear defenders used to protect the wearer from noise hazards in the workplace.
By law an employer must assess and identify measures to eliminate or reduce risks from exposure to noise so that employees&#; hearing is protected. The protection chosen should reflect the level of risk.
Once a noise hazard has been identified and the risks assessed &#; suitable controls must be implemented. While there are many ways to reduce noise in the workplace such as choosing quieter equipment, introducing engineering controls such as silencers, moving the workplace around to position noise further away from workers; noise cannot always be eliminated and this is where hearing protection comes into play.
The level at which employers must provide hearing protection and hearing protection zones is now 85 decibels (daily or weekly average exposure) and the level at which employers must assess the risk to workers&#; health and provide them with information and training is now 80 decibels. There is also an exposure limit value of 87 decibels (dB), taking account of any reduction in exposure provided by hearing protection, above which workers must not be exposed.
The Noise Regulations require employers to take specific action at certain action values. These relate to:
The values are:
Lower exposure action values (daily or weekly average noise exposure level at which the employer has to provide information and training and make hearing protection available.)Upper exposure action valuesThe HSE&#;s flow chart will also help you decide what you need to do:
When looking at the product information for ear defenders there are many categories to choose from and it can be confusing to know exactly what protection is being offered. Below is a simple list explaining the common information you will see on product specifications for hearing protection:
What is attenuation?
The process of losing noise energy is called attenuation, and it is the attenuation data that should be examined whilst selecting appropriate ear defenders.
What is SNR?
SNR is a Single Number Rating system. The SNR value can be used to compare the level of noise attenuation offered by different hearing protectors. To determine acoustic pressure on your ears, you subtract the SNR value from the average noise level measured. For example:
The noise level measures an average of 99 dB.
You are wearing ear protection with an SNR of 19.
Thus, the acoustic pressure on your ears is on average 99 &#; 19 = 80 dB.
The higher the SNR, the higher the level of noise attenuation provided by the hearing protection.
What is HML?
A method of estimating the attenuation of hearing protection based on 3 parameters.
H = High
M = Medium
L = Low
The terms refer to the noise reduction of the chosen hearing protector at High, Medium and Low frequencies.
What are dBs (decibels)?
dB (decibel) is used to measure the sound intensity. Because the human ear can register sounds across a huge range of intensities a linear scale is not suitable for measurement.
The dB scale is therefore a log scale which in very simple terms means the sound intensity roughly doubles for every 3 dB increase. An increase of 20 dB would increase the sound intensity 100 times, (ie 60 dB is 100 times louder than 40 dB)
Note &#; To accurately calculate the type of hearing protection needed in your workplace, see the HSE&#;s noise exposure and hearing protection calculators.
Every person will have different requirements when it comes to ear defenders. It is essential to get the right fit, the right protection, and ensure the user understands how to use and maintain their ear defenders.
Consider the frequency, pitch and intensity of the noise hazard. In industries such as mining workers can be exposed to very low frequencies.
Music, construction and airport workers are exposed to different noise and therefore have very different requirements. There are many ear defenders and headphones specially designed for musicians so that the full range of frequencies can be heard and there are specialist hearing protectors for use during firearms practice. Some ear defenders will only be suitable for indoor or outdoor use &#; so check before you buy.
Your risk assessment should look at the task, the user, the environment, the exposure action values and limit values. The assessment should also identify what you need to do to comply with the law and identify any employees who need to be provided with health surveillance.
As with any personal protective equipment that you procure, ear defenders should meet the requirements of international standards and relevant legislation. CE markings, EN, ISO and BS codes show which equipment meets standards for safety, design and performance. See the legislation and standards section of this guide to understand more about the exact standards and markings you should be looking for.
Also consider decibels, Single Noise Ratings and frequencies as detailed above.
Remember some headphones will not meet the criteria of ear protection.
Many manufactures now make PPE and ear protection and they can be bought from hundreds of suppliers. If you do not have a preferred supplier for ear protection seek advice from your peers, read independent reviews or seek advice from a networking group. See &#;How to evaluate suppliers / manufacturers below&#;.
Form a user group and ask suppliers to send some trial samples. Listen to feedback from workers as it is important to have them on board with the PPE they will be wearing.
As with all procurement, selecting PPE can be difficult from a cost vs quality point of view. It is a matter of your risk level and selecting appropriate equipment. You can buy ear defenders for as little as a few pounds or select products for ten times as much. The higher the noise risk the higher the quality of protection needed. This in turn may lead to a higher price.
See the section on below on fitting ear defenders. To get your workforce on board with using their PPE correctly it needs to offer comfort as well as protection.
Peer reviews and recommendations are the best way to source impartial, independent feedback on products from people you trust. While review online can be helpful, it is always worth starting a discussion within a trusted network first.
What is important to look at is the industry that the ear defenders are recommended for, and the noise levels. For example some ear defenders will be suitable for all industrial noise, tough environments or areas with low noise levels.
Some ear defenders come with snap-in ear cushions, which makes replacement very easy and there are variants in headbands, which you should consider depending on how long and in what environment ear defenders are being used.
If workers need to be able to talk to each other or hear fire alarms, for example, the right attenuation level needs to be selected.
While most ear defenders have a head band that goes over the top of the wearer&#;s head &#; neckband models are available for use with head mounted face or welding shields, for example.
Electronic earmuffs deliver both passive and uniform attenuation, which blocks low and medium frequencies while allowing higher frequencies (voice, signals, and alarms) to be heard more clearly. This may provide the ability to maintain better situational awareness in intermittent and impact noise environments.
When choosing your product, consider:
When buying, using and maintaining ear defenders within your workplace, remember:
Because parts of ear defenders (the pads and foams) can be replaced on some models; ear defenders can last a very long time. Some manufacturers recommend changing pads every six months but this would depend on the amount of use. Always follow individual manufacturer&#;s instructions and remember that ear defenders should be regularly inspected.
Ensure that:
Legislation
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations replace the Noise at Work Regulations and aim to ensure that workers&#; hearing is protected from excessive noise at their place of work, which could cause them to lose their hearing and/or to suffer from tinnitus (permanent ringing in the ears).
The updated regulations introduce new requirements for action to be taken by employers. For example, the Regulations require employers to take action to protect workers at levels of noise 5 decibels lower than in the Regulations and now require health surveillance (hearing checks) for workers regularly exposed above 85 decibels.
Other legislation to be aware of when it comes to noise at work includes:
There are other regulations for:
International standards
A list of titles and references harmonised standards under Directive 89/686/EEC for Personal protective equipment (PPE) is available here. See below for standards relevant to hearing protection.
CENEN 352-1: &#; Hearing protectors &#; General requirements &#; Part 1: Ear-MuffsCENEN 352-2: &#; Hearing protectors &#; General requirements &#; Part 2: Ear-plugsCENEN 352-3: &#; Hearing protectors &#; General requirements &#; Part 3: Ear-muffs attached to an industrial safety helmetCENEN 352-4: &#; Hearing protectors &#; Safety requirements and testing &#; Part 4: Level-dependent ear-muffsEN 352-4:/A1:
CENEN 352-5: &#; Hearing protectors &#; Safety requirements and testing &#; Part 5: Active noise reduction ear-muffsEN 352-5:/A1:
CENEN 352-6: &#; Hearing protectors &#; Safety requirements and testing &#; Part 6: Ear-muffs with electrical audio inputCENEN 352-7: &#; Hearing protectors &#; Safety requirements and testing &#; Part 7: Level-dependent ear-plugsCENEN 352-8: &#; Hearing protectors &#; Safety requirements and testing &#; Part 8: Entertainment audio ear-muffsCENEN 458: &#; Hearing protectors &#; Recommendations for selection, use, care and maintenance &#; Guidance documentCENEN ISO -2: &#; Acoustics &#; Hearing protectors &#; Part 2: Estimation of effective A-weighted sound pressure levels when hearing protectors are worn (ISO -2:)
EN ISO -2:/AC:
CENEN ISO -3: &#; Acoustics &#; Hearing protectors &#; Part 3: Measurement of insertion loss of ear-muff type protectors using an acoustic test fixture (ISO -3:)CE Markings
After 30 June , all PPE placed on the market in EU Member States was required to comply with the requirements of Directive 89/686/EEC and carry the CE Marking.
As with all PPE there are many things to consider when selecting a product for you workforce. Below is a summary of the key things to consider when buying ear defenders:
This infographic
http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/regulations.htm
http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/risks.htm
http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/calculator.htm
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg363.htm
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg362.htm
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l108.htm
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/ear_prot.html
http://www.ncsu.edu/ehs/www99/right/handsMan/worker/hprot.html
http://www.hsmc.co.uk/uploads/free%20guides/Guide%20-%20selecting%20hearing%20protection.pdf
http://www.soundadvice.info/thewholestory/san5.htm
Registered Safety Supplier (RSS) Scheme.
http://www.ppe.org/product-testing-ppe-ce-marking/
Earmuffs are probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of aviation gear, but they are an important part of flying. The right earmuffs can protect your hearing from the noise of the engines, and help you stay comfortable during your flight. If you&#;re looking for the best aviation earmuffs, read on for our buyer&#;s guide. We&#;ll tell you what to look for in a good pair of earmuffs, and we&#;ll recommend some of our favorite models. Happy flying!
Aviation Industry: Risk of Hearing LossFlying is a safe and comfortable way to travel, but it does come with some risks. At higher altitudes, the air pressure changes can cause pain in your ears. And according to one study, about 1 in 4 pilots has suffered from noise-induced hearing loss. This is due to the loud engine noise in most aircraft. In fact, the sound levels inside a cockpit when at cruising altitude are 100 decibels or more! That&#;s about as loud as a chainsaw or lawnmower. As you can imagine, that&#;s not good for your ears.
Even if you don&#;t fly often, your odds of damage are still high. A recent study showed that even at low altitudes, with the windows open for takeoff and landing, noise levels exceeded 125 decibels 80 percent of the time! That&#;s almost as loud as working next to a running lawnmower. If you want to protect yourself from this kind of noise, good ear protection is key. That includes foam earplugs or reusable ones with special filters, but also quality aviation earmuffs. So which models should you look for? We&#;ll give you some recommendations in just a minute&#; But first, let&#;s talk about how the wonders of these units.
Noise Exposure Limits for Aviation Industry WorkersThe aviation industry has limits on the amount of noise that workers are exposed to. These limits are measured in terms of decibels (dB), and they&#;re based on an average over an entire work shift. For instance, most airlines require that pilots not be exposed to 85 dB during takeoff or climb, 90 dB during the cruise, or 105 dB for an extended period &#;when using headphones&#;&#; And you&#;ll need to check your airline&#;s specific requirements.
The same recommendations apply whether you&#;re flying a single-engine Cessna 172 like our example here, or a jumbo jet like the 747 (which can fly higher than 37,000 feet). That means that if you regularly fly as part of your job, then the noise from your aircraft is likely to be within the limits described above. If you&#;re a private pilot, then your aircraft might not keep that same schedule. It will depend on how often or long you fly each day, and where you fly.
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The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA official website) established permissible noise exposure limits for the workplace (including the cockpit of an aircraft):
Wearing hearing protection devices like as communication headsets, noise reduction headsets, or noise-canceling headsets is highly advised if the ambient noise level exceeds OSHA&#;s allowed noise exposure guidelines. Hearing protection is essential for everyone from pilots to ground employees who want to avoid hearing loss and be safe. How to protect ears during flight?Wearing hearing protection devices like as communication headsets, noise reduction headsets, or noise-canceling headsets is highly advised if the ambient noise level exceeds OSHA&#;s allowed noise exposure guidelines. Hearing protection is essential for everyone from pilots to ground employees who want to avoid hearing loss and be safe.
There are a number of things you can do to protect your ears while flying. For example, avoid placing your head against the back of the airplane seat in front of you and be sure to drink plenty of fluids during the flight. You can also try:
Finally, you can use earplugs or noise-canceling headphones.If you are interested in listening to audiobooks or music on the plane, you may want to buy noise-canceling headphones. Listeners should also consider investing in a good pair of noise-isolating headphones or earbuds.
Benefits of the Aviation EarmuffsLet&#;s talk about some benefits of aviation earmuffs:
You&#;ll want to look for a high-quality product that&#;s going to serve you well. As such, here are some of the most important features:
The main difference between these two types of devices is that aviation headsets typically use ear cups (like headphones) whereas aviation ear defenders cover your entire ears. This makes them more comfortable, but they don&#;t usually allow you to listen to music. They also tend to be bulkier than over-the-ear headsets!
This depends on how they&#;ll be used (for example, if you want an adjustable helmet strap), but most models come with various size options. This should be self-explanatory, but keep in mind that larger devices might not fit under smaller helmets.
That really depends on what you&#;re trying to achieve and your budget. Some units are specially made for pilots, while others can be used by both aviators and people who need hearing protection (e.g., woodworkers, construction workers). If you just want to fly recreationally or want an extra pair of earmuffs, then any model will do&#; However, if you work as part of the flight crew or fly regularly for business purposes, then it&#;s worth looking into something more specialized!
Most aviation earmuffs come with a special carrying case, which you can either use or not. If you want to keep your headsets safe, make sure they&#;re in a secure location where nobody can accidentally damage them. Most people simply hang their devices on the wall near the main entrance of their hangar!
Yes. Even if you never use music while flying, it&#;s still a good idea to wear one. The headphones will reduce noise from all sides and provide some level of hearing protection in the event that something goes wrong during flight (e.g., engine failure). In other words, there&#;s no reason not to wear aviation headsets when using an aircraft!
Aviation Earmuffs: TipsIf you want to avoid ear pain and damage, then it&#;s smart to combine different types of hearing protection. For example, you can wear ear plugs underneath your aviation headsets for extra noise reduction! If you&#;re flying alone or with someone who also wears an aviation headset, then ask them if they&#;ll join you in wearing this combo. This will almost double the amount of protection that you receive (even more than using either product by itself).
To have a strong hear protection you can use a fairly new product development, the uniform attenuation earmuffs are marketed for shooters, hunters, etc. They have fairly flat attenuation characteristics between 125 Hz to Hz frequencies. The upper frequencies are slightly amplified but not nearly as much as traditional over-ear headphones or other types of hearing protectors. Pay attention at:
Howard Leight by Honeywell Leightning L3 Shooting Earmuff (R-)
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Peltor Sport Tactical 500 Smart Electronic Hearing Protector
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[amazon table=&#;394&#;][amazon box=&#;BYM&#;]In noisy conditions, the 3M Peltor TACTICALPro folding headband type headset ( official website ) enables clear ambient sound and voice recognition. The headset&#;s frequency response is unique in that it amplifies low-level sounds while suppressing potentially harmful impulse noises. It&#;s ideal for a variety of uses, including gun ranges, forklift drivers, airport ground staff, maintenance technicians, and industrial employees.
The 3M Peltor TacticalPro Communications Headset MT15H7F SV is perfect for hunters and shooters who need to amplify low-level sounds. This hearing protection headset not only keeps your ears safe from loud noises but also amplifies the sound of your prey or target so you can make the shot. With its compact and lightweight design, the TacticalPro is perfect for any outdoor activity.
The 3M Peltor TacticalPro Communications Headset MT15H7F SV is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to protect their hearing while still being able to communicate with others. It has a Noise Reduction Rating of 26 dB, which means that it can protect your ears from harmful noise levels. Plus, the headset is comfortable and easy to use, so you can stay focused on the task at hand.
the 3M Peltor TacticalPro Communications Headset MT15H7F SV is great for hunting, target shooting, and even general use. The headset can protect your ears from loud noises while also keeping you safe in other ways. It&#;s lightweight and comfortable to wear, so you&#;ll hardly notice that it&#;s there at all. Check price at Walmart.com.
[amazon box=&#;B07YN&#;]Introducing Protear Bluetooth Radio Headphones, the perfect hearing protector for anyone who loves listening to music or radio while they work. These headphones feature advanced technology that provides you with unbeatable sound quality and clarity, so you can enjoy your favorite tunes without sacrificing safety or comfort. Whether you&#;re working in a construction zone or just need some peace and quiet at home, Protear Bluetooth Radio Headphones are exactly what you need.
Both of these headphones are designed for maximum safety. The Protear Bluetooth Radio Headphones feature noise reduction technology that blocks out sound up to 24 decibels, which means you can listen to your favorite songs without worrying about hearing damage. They&#;re the ideal solution for anyone who has tinnitus or suffers from hyperacusis.
What&#;s more, these headphones are extremely comfortable. Protear Bluetooth Radio Headphones were made with lightweight materials and a stylish design, so they won&#;t weigh you down during your daily activities. They&#;re also equipped with wide ear cups that provide you with the best possible attenuation up to 24 decibels.
Protear Bluetooth Radio Headphones is the perfect choice for anyone who needs hearing protection and wants to listen to music at the same time. The headphones protect your ears from harmful noise levels while still keeping you able to hear outside sounds (such as traffic or shouts). They also feature built-in radio, which lets you listen to your favorite stations without any hassle. Check price at Walmart.com.
[amazon box=&#;B06W56YRWJ&#;]The Peltor Sport Tactical 500 Smart Electronic Hearing Protector ( official website ) offers superior hearing protection for shooters and hunters. Active hearing enhancement drastically amplifies quiet sounds while suppressing loud noises, so you&#;re always able to hear what&#;s going on around you. This tactical headset also includes Bluetooth capability, allowing you to connect with compatible devices using the free mobile app.
This headset is designed to protect your ears from loud noises while giving you the enhanced hearing capabilities of a modern digital device. The Tactical 500 features an NRR rating of 30, which means it can significantly reduce the harmful effect of gunshots or other loud sounds when paired with proper safety gear. Plus, the adjustable frequency response amplifies low-level sounds, so you can hear rustling leaves or other small noises that are worth investigating.
The Tactical 500 is equipped with Bluetooth capability and a number of modern features. The integrated mobile app allows you to customize the audio settings for this headset. You&#;ll also love the automatic shutoff feature, which powers down your headset when you&#;re not using it.
The Peltor Tactical 500 is ideal for any outdoorsman or hunter who needs an effective way to block out loud noises without sacrificing their ability to listen for other sounds. With this headset, you&#;ll be able to enjoy the best of both worlds. Check price at Walmart.com, Sears.com.
[amazon box=&#;B00CPCHBCQ&#;]When wearing earplugs just won&#;t cut it, you need the 3M Peltor X5A Over-the-Head Ear Muffs ( official website ). These earmuffs combine powerful attenuation with modern hearing protection technology to give you superior hearing protection without compromising your ability to hear other sounds or conversations around you.
These earmuffs feature an over-the-head band and top cup with a contoured shape, so they&#;re extremely comfortable. The cups can be adjusted vertically and horizontally for a secure fit that perfectly conforms to your head. Plus, the adjustable earcups let you choose between high or low protection depending on your needs at any given time.
These earmuffs deliver an NRR rating of 22 decibels, which is enough to reduce loud noises to a safe level and protect your ears from damage without compromising your ability to hear other sounds. So if you work around loud construction equipment or during hunting season, this headset will help you feel secure while being able to hear nature around you.
If you need powerful, comfortable earmuffs that are great for both indoor and outdoor use, look no further than the 3M Peltor X5A Over-the-Head Ear Muffs. They&#;ll protect your ears from harmful noise levels while still keeping their natural sound. Check price at Walmart.com, Sears.com.
[amazon box=&#;B01BEENYCQ&#;]The Decibel Defense Professional Safety Ear Muffs ( official website ) are a great choice for any professional who wants top-of-the-line protection without sacrificing comfort or sound awareness. With a comfortable padded headband and earmuffs, you&#;ll quickly forget you&#;re even wearing this hearing protector.
These ear muffs feature noise-canceling technology, which means they significantly reduce the harmful effect of loud noises while still allowing you to hear low-level sounds, conversations, or any other noise that may be important. Plus, the padded headband is extremely comfortable. It fits over your ears without pressing too hard on your head and can easily adjust for a secure fit.
The earmuffs feature a built-in amplifier that increases ambient sound while simultaneously reducing harmful noise. This allows you to be more aware of your surroundings without compromising on hearing protection.
If you work or play around with loud noises and need powerful, comfortable earmuffs that can amplify soft sounds without sacrificing effectiveness, these earmuffs are a perfect choice. With a number of unique features and technologies, they&#;re the best safety ear muffs on the market today.
[amazon box=&#;B00NKSMPZW&#;]The ClearArmor Shooters Hearing Protection Safety Ear Muffs are perfect for anyone who needs lightweight, comfortable earmuffs with an adjustable headband. They provide superior hearing protection without hurting your jaw or ears thanks to their padded design and contoured shape.
These earmuffs come with a flexible padded headband that can easily adjust to fit your head. The flexible design features soft, contoured ear cups that provide superior protection without the need for hard plastic. Plus, the headband is adjustable vertically and horizontally for a perfect, secure fit every time.
The ClearArmor Shooters Hearing Protection Safety Ear Muffs are made with durable ABS plastic and metal components that allow them to fold up for easy storage. Plus, they&#;re extremely lightweight, weighing in at just 8 ounces. You&#;ll barely notice you&#;re wearing them during your intense workday or intense play session.
If you need effective earmuffs that are comfortable and adjustable without being too bulky, the ClearArmor Shooters Hearing Protection Safety Ear Muffs are a great option. They provide superior protection while being extremely lightweight and durable so you can wear them for long periods of time without discomfort or pain. Check price at Walmart.com, Sears.com.
The 3M Peltor X5A Over-the-Head Ear Muffs are the best overall earmuffs for anyone who wants powerful, comfortable ear protection. While they don&#;t feature unique technologies like noise-canceling or sound amplifying, they do come with a built-in directional microphone that enhances your ability to communicate over loud noise. For the best earmuffs for shooting, look no further than the ClearArmor Shooters Hearing Protection Safety Ear Muffs. Their lightweight design and comfortable padded headband make them perfect for wear during long hours of intense work or play.
If you don&#;t see your favorite pair of earmuffs on this list, comment below with your preferred pair and why it&#;s great! We want to hear from you.
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