Protect Your Employees with Custom Hearing Protection
Under Section 5.6, ‘Using Personal Hearing Protectors’ in the Code of Practice for Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work, there are five different classes of hearing protectors available based on Noise Exposure Levels averaged over 8 hours (LAeq,8h). Each class of hearing protector has different attenuation (sound reduction) levels to ensure LAeq,8h = 85dB (A), is not exceeded.
If the use of personal hearing protectors is necessary, it is important that the worker fits their hearing protectors correctly as per the instructions provided and wears them throughout the period of exposure to noise.
How do I know which Hearing Protection is best to use?
Under Section 5.6 ‘Using Personal Hearing Protectors’ in the Code of Practice for Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work:
When selecting personal hearing protectors, please consider the following:
- The degree of attenuation (sound reduction level in dB(A)) required in the worker’s noise environment to ensure LAeq,8h = 85dB (A), is not exceeded.
- DO NOT provide hearing protectors that overprotect by cutting out too much sound. This may cause difficulties for the worker in hearing verbal instructions and warning signals or alarms, which are needed to work safely onsite.
- The suitability for the type of working environment and work tasks for the worker. Take, for example, in dirty environments, it may be more appropriate for the worker to wear ear muffs instead of compressible ear plugs for hygienic reasons. Inserting earplugs with dirty hands can possibly cause ear problems (i.e., build-up of dirty particulates in the ear canal, ear infections, and ear irritation). Likewise, In hot climates, banded ear plugs may be more suitable instead of ear muffs, as ear muffs may be uncomfortable to wear in hot climates due to perspiration.
- The comfort, weight and clamping force of the hearing protector are also important. The individual fit of hearing protectors is critical for optimum hearing protection from noise exposure. For example, if a worker has small narrow ear canals or has exostosis (surfer’s ear), it may be more suitable for them to use banded ear plugs or ear muffs instead of compressible ear plugs as it’ll be very difficult for the compressible ear plugs to be inserted correctly to achieve optimal sound attenuation.
Noise Exposure
Under Section 2.2, ‘How much noise is too much?’ Code of Practice for Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work shows the length of time a person without hearing protectors can be exposed before the noise exposure standard is exceeded.
The noise exposure standard averaged over 8 hours (LAeq,8h) = 85dB (A).
Custom-made Hearing Protection:
Custom Moulded Noise Ear Protection is available from Attune Workplace Hearing.
All ear mould impressions are taken at the Attune Clinics and will be arranged by our Attune Hearing National Workplace Manager.
These earplugs come equipped with colour identification: Blue (Left Plug), Red (Right Plug) and a connecting cord.
How long will it take for staff to receive their custom earplugs?
Two working weeks from when impressions are taken.
