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What Level Of Hearing Protection Do I Need

Published on Jul. 08, 2020
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(1)At what noise level does the law state that you must wear ear protection?


The 1989 Noise at Work Regulations came into force on 1st January 1990. These regulations are significant because they were the first to deal specifically with the issue of noise at work, and set down hard and fast limits for noise exposure –85dBA and 90dBA. As a result, employers had to perform noise assessments in places where sound levels were a problem. They were also obliged to take action to reduce noise to the lowest possible levels, by improving machinery providing hearing protection, for instance. The regulations also state that employers must assess the risk to workers’ health and provide them with information and training on noise exposure if their daily or weekly personal noise exposure reaches 80 dB.


(2)Hearing protection standards


The Occupational Safety and Health Admini- stration's (OSHA's) Noise standard (29 CFR 1910.95) requires employers to have a hearing conservation program in place if workers are exposed to a time-weighted average (TWA) noise level of 85 decibels (dBA) or higher over an 8-hour work shift.


(3)Hearing protection levels


85 Decibels (dB) - the "Action Level" where hearing protection is required.

90 dB - the OSHA, 8-hour average exposure limit.

100 dB - exposures longer than 15 minutes are not recommended.

110 dB - regular exposure of more than 1 minute risks permanent hearing loss.

A noise reduction rating indicates the level of sound that earplugs block out when used without simultaneous noise-blocking objects. The highest NRR rating for earplugs is 33, and the highest available NRR rating for earmuffs is 31. These values reflect the level of noise protection possible for each device when worn alone. Combining earplugs with earmuffs can offer an NRR protection level of 36. 


(4)Types of hearing protection 

T-Safety earmuffs


People can wear three primary hearing protection devices to help reduce the impact of noisy environments and the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. These include earplugs, earmuffs, and semi-inserted earplugs.

Earplugs are foam plugs that can be inserted into the ear canal. They can be used at once or reusable and can be found in most grocery stores. Custom-made earbuds are also available and can be manufactured by visiting your audiologist or other hearing health professional.

Half earbuds don't enter the ear canal entirely like regular earbuds. They are fixed to the upper ear canal by connecting the earbuds to the rigid headband. They are not customized and are not always suitable for everyone.

The earmuffs are made of silence and soft ear cushions. They are tied to the headband. They are good at the quiet, preventing people from being overexposed to noisy sounds.

T-Safety noise cancelling ear muffs provide best hearing protection . Their versatility makes them a popular choice for many work environments. However, when it comes to selecting a proper earmuff, you need to consider three things. How much noise reduction you need, your worksite environment and job tasks, and your comfort and convenience. 

With a full line of earmuffs, you can rest easy knowing that your workforce — and your business — is protected by science. And that makes a world of difference.


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