Selecting and wearing the right hearing protectors - Earplugs- is important for appropriate protection

 

EPA requires NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) for all hearing protection devices

• Measures the reduction of sound level entering ears 

• Range from 20 -30 dB for consumer  hearing protectors

• However, NRR is based on controlled lab testing - may not hold for a real-world situation

In real-world, the actual dB reduction will be about half of that listed as NRR

 

NOTE about noise cancellation headphones

• Reduce noise by using electronics to cancel noise to improve hearing experience

• Do NOT provide hearing protection unless labeled with NRR

 

Hearing protection comes in many styles, materials, colors, and sizes

• Earplugs – Slide snugly into the ear canal

  • Formable - Such as foam, which expand to fit the contour of the canal). Disposable.

  • Pre-formed - Already shaped to fit most ears, reusable (see picture above)

  • Custom - Use impression of person's ear to make unique fit

  • Earmuffs – Completely surround the outer ear and held in place by headband

• Canal caps – Cover the entrance to ear canals and held in place by a lightweight band

 

Some hearing protectors have special features

• Flat attenuation or Musician's earplugs – Reduce noise equally across all frequency bands, preserves sound fidelity

• Non-linear – Level-dependent and sound restoration hearing protectors, allow quiet sounds to pass through but block loud sounds

• Communication technologies – With built-in microphones and speakers that make it easier to talk to others in a noisy environment

 

Choosing hearing protection: 5 ’Cs’

• Comfort: Choose correctly

• Compatibility: Use with other equipment

• Convenience: Easy to use

• Communication: Need to hear others, equipment sounds at work

• Cost: Select based on personal and occupational needs​

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Correct wearing is essential to get full benefits

• Curve your right hand around the back of your head to pull your left ear up and back

• Use your left hand to gently slide the earplug into ear canal - rock the plug back and forth to help

• Push into place with a finger on your left hand

• Repeat with opposite hands for the right ear

• If fit properly, your voice should sound muffled