Hearing Protection

The CDC estimates that twenty-two million workers are exposed to potentially damaging noise at work each year. Exposure to high levels of noise can cause permanent hearing loss. Neither surgery nor a hearing aid can help correct this type of hearing loss. Short term exposure to loud noise can also cause a temporary change in hearing (your ears may feel stuffed up) or a ringing in your ears (tinnitus). These short-term problems may go away within a few minutes or hours after leaving the noise. However, repeated exposures to loud noise can lead to permanent tinnitus and/or hearing loss. Hearing loss is pervasive, but it's also preventable.

How do I know if I need hearing protection?

You are working around uncomfortably loud tools or equipment.
You hear ringing or humming in your ears when you leave work.
You have to shout to be heard by a coworker an arm's length away.
You experience temporary hearing loss at work or after.

Earplugs

Earplugs are inexpensive, lightweight and more comfortable than earmuffs in hot work spaces. They have a very low profile and aren't affected by headgear, face shields, eyewear, hair, etc. However, they need a tight fit and can be difficult to insert correctly to ensure they provide their rated hearing protection. Earplugs are good choices if noise is constant, so you don't need to repeatedly take them out and reinsert them. Since they fit directly into the ear canal, you'll need to make sure they're clean before use.

Foam Earplugs

Compress foam earplugs for insertion into the ear canal, where they expand to fill the space. Make sure your hands are clean before you roll or compress them. These earplugs are disposable and intended for a single use. Do not reuse them.

Flanged Earplugs

Made of plastic or silicone, the soft material allows the flanges to conform to the ear canal. The plugs are often connected by a cord that allows you to hang them around your neck when not in use. Their design allows insertion without handling the portion that fits into your ear canal, so it's easier to keep them clean. You can also wash and reuse them. However, flanged plugs may not provide as tight a fit or as high a level of protection as foam plugs.

Canal Caps

Canal caps are similar to earplugs, but rather than filling the ear canal, they simply cover the canal opening. A headband connects the caps. They're easy to put on and take off and they can be useful for short-term protection, but some designs clamp over the ears and apply pressure that can become uncomfortable over time. Canal caps often don't provide the same level of protection as standard earplugs.

Earmuffs

Earmuffs have insulated cups that cover your ears completely. These devices are good options where noise isn't a constant hazard because extended use can be uncomfortable in hot work areas. They're also easy to take off and put on correctly. However, eyewear, long hair, facial hair and some earrings can make them difficult to fit properly. Depending on the design, they may not work well with other PPE, such as headgear or face shields.

Combined PPE

Some equipment integrates several types of protection, such as a hard hat with built-in hearing protection and face shield, or a respirator with a full-face mask that covers the eyes. Depending on the type of work you're doing, these integrated safety solutions can simplify protecting yourself and your team from multiple hazards. Whether you want multi-hazard gear or individual pieces of PPE, if your task requires hearing protection, it probably requires additional protective equipment.

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