If the employer assesses that the employee is exposed to risks as a result of noise, the noise exposure must be assessed. To the extent that it is necessary to clarify the load conditions, noise measurements must be carried out that can ensure a correct assessment of whether hearing protection must be used. (A rule of thumb is that if two people with 1 m between them can only understand each other when they shout, hearing protection must be used)
This guide helps you learn more about the different types of hearing protection, as well as what properties they have. You will find descriptions of all the types of hearing protection offered by the safety giant. Earplugs are not described in this guide. (See separate guide for earplugs).
In addition, you will be able to find advice and guidance on choosing hearing protection, maintenance, as well as an overview and description of the concept of decibel (dB) and SNR value.
HEARING PROTECTION TYPES:
There are many different types of hearing protection, each with its own purpose. The very classic hearing protection ensures that all harmful noise is removed, in addition some hearing protection has a radio, others allow the connection of a mobile phone or have mutual communication. The different types are described in more detail in this section.
Hearing protection with headband:
Classic hearing protection with general. headband. The hearing protection dampens harmful noise. There are no electronics in the hearing protection, which means that you can neither listen to the radio nor connect a mobile phone. The only function of hearing protection is to take care of your ears. Hearing protection with a headband that is approved according to current standards is marked with approval: EN 352 - 1.
Hearing protectors without this approval are not suitable for use in workplaces where the Norwegian Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires approved protective equipment.
Hearing protection for helmet mounting:
In contrast to hearing protection with a headband, this hearing protection must be mounted on a safety helmet. This is clearly an advantage if the work requires both hearing protection and a helmet. These hearing protectors are available both with and without electronics. Not all hearing protectors fit all helmets, so you must be aware of buying a hearing protector that can be mounted on the helmet, or vice versa. Some hearing protectors must be fitted with an adapter, others can be attached directly to the helmet, but this will appear from the product description on the website.
Hearing protectors for helmet mounting, which are approved according to current standards, are marked with approval: EN 352 - 3. Hearing protectors without this approval are not suitable for use in workplaces where the Norwegian Labor Inspectorate requires approved protective equipment.
Electronic hearing protection:
Electronic ear defenders are a broad group that all have electronic parts. This can be FM radio, Bluetooth or AUX connection. Hearing protection with radio, allows users to listen to different FM frequencies through the hearing protection. If the hearing protection is equipped with Bluetooth, you can connect your phone wirelessly and stream music, radio or audiobooks directly through the hearing protection. If you want to talk on the phone or with your other colleagues through the hearing protection, you must choose a communication hearing protection that is equipped with a microphone.
Bluetooth is often a very expensive solution, but if you want the same functions in a cheaper model, you can choose a hearing protector where you can connect your mobile phone via the AUX connector. Electronic hearing protection that is approved according to current standards is marked with approval: EN 352 - 4.
Hearing protectors without this approval are not suitable for use in workplaces where the Norwegian Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires approved protective equipment.
Hearing protection with communication:
Communication hearing protection is absolutely the most advanced hearing protection. The hearing protection offers mutual communication, as well as calls and conversations via the hearing protection. Often these hearing protectors are equipped with Bluetooth, as well as a microphone, which makes conversations possible. This hearing protector is ideal for noisy factories where employee communication can be difficult. Communication hearing protection that is approved according to current standards is marked with approval: EN 352 - 6.
Hearing protectors without this approval are not suitable for use in workplaces where the Norwegian Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires approved protective equipment. A hearing protector should not dampen as much as possible, but rather dampen correctly.
WORTH KNOWING:
A hearing protector is not just a hearing protector - There is a big difference between the functions of the hearing protectors. The most important difference is the attenuation that the hearing protection offers. The most optimal thing is to choose a hearing protector which dampens the noise to 75 - 80 dB, as this still allows for communication with the surroundings, as well as making it possible to hear alarms etc. In this section, you will learn more about the different terms used in connection with hearing protection.
dB - Decibel:
dB stands for decibels, which is a unit of measurement for sound and is decisive for the choice of hearing protection. In order to find the optimal hearing protection, it is necessary to know the noise level, which can be measured with a noise indicator.
In the table on the next page, you can see an overview of noise levels on various noisy subjects. If the noise level is above 85 dB, there is a requirement to wear hearing protection, but already at 80 dB, hearing protection must be made available to co-workers. Noise load is the load the ear can withstand before hearing is damaged. The hearing can cope with a noise load of 85 dB for up to 8 hours before it is damaged. The higher the dB, the shorter the time the ear can tolerate the noise.
In the chart you can see how long you can be exposed to noise without hearing damage:
SNR value indicates the hearing protector's attenuation of general noise. In contrast to dB, which is the noise level, the SNR value is the attenuation provided by the hearing protection. If you subtract the SNR value and dB, you get the remaining noise level. This level should be between 75 - 80 dB. The guide for calculations etc. can be found under the section "choose the right hearing protection".
SNR value - Simplified Noise level Reduction:
When talking about the SNR value (the attenuation value), it is important to distinguish between different sound frequencies;
- High-frequency sounds (H): Squeals, screams, shrill sounds, high-pitched howls, etc
- Middle frequency sounds (M): Alm. noisy noise
- Low frequency sounds (L): Humming sounds
If a hearing protector has an SNR value of 27 dB, it does NOT attenuate 27 dB at all sound frequencies, therefore you have to categorize the noise into H, M or L, and follow the attenuation value for these sound frequencies.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT HEARING PROTECTION:
When you have to choose the right hearing protection, it can be helpful to follow these steps. If you follow them, you are guaranteed the best choice/solution.
STEP 1 - Select type:
Choose a hearing protector with the functions you need. Remember that electronic hearing protection is also available for helmet mounting. If you are in doubt about which properties you are looking for, read the descriptions under the section "ear protection types".
- Hearing protection with headband
- Hearing protection for helmet mounting
- Electronic hearing protection
- Communication hearing protection
STEP 2 - Measure noise level:
Measure the noise level using a noise indicator. You can also see the overview of noise under the section "decibel - dB", this is only an indication and NOT something you can follow 100%.
STEP 3 - Calculate the desired damping value:
When you have now measured the noise level, you can easily calculate the attenuation value (SNR value) that the hearing protection must have. It is recommended that the noise level be kept at between 75 - 80 dB, neither more nor less.
Example of calculation:
Noise level: 102 dB
Desired level: -75 dB
SNR value: 27 dB - (choose between 22 - 27 and you will achieve a dB of 75 - 80)
You subtract the noise level from the desired noise level, and thereby arrive at the attenuation value (SNR value). This means that your hearing protection must have an SNR value of 27 dB.
*NOTE*
This calculation is the average attenuation in dB, it is not certain that this will give you the best possible protection. You will get the most optimal protection by analyzing the sound frequency of the noise. This can be done quite simply. SEE STEP 4.
STEP 4 - What sound frequency?
When you know the SNR value for your hearing protection, e.g. 27 dB, it doesn't matter which sound frequency you work in. There is a difference in how much noise a hearing protector can remove at the various sound frequencies. To find the most optimal attenuation, you must determine which sound frequency is involved. This can be done by listening to the audio. The different sound frequencies are divided into three groups:
- High-frequency sounds (H): Squeals, screams, shrill sounds, high-pitched howls, etc.
- Middle frequency sounds (M): Alm. noisy noise.
-
Low frequency sounds (L): Humming sounds.
To find the optimal attenuation for the different sound frequencies, the same formula as in STEP 3 is used.
Formula:
Current noise level - Desired noise level = Attenuation value
At the Security giant, we have made it easy for you. In our webshop, all our hearing protectors have a description of how much they attenuate each frequency. On the website, it looks like this:
The attenuation value:
The attenuation value for high-frequency sounds such as the squeal is 32 dB
The attenuation value for medium-frequency sounds such as music, is 25 dB
The attenuation value for low-frequency sounds such as the hum is 15 dB
The SNR value is 27, which is an average of the attenuation in dB
STEP 5 - Find your hearing protection
When you have found out which needs your hearing protection must cover, it is time to choose. On our website you will find a large selection of hearing protection, with different functions, etc. and you are guided through so that you quickly find what you are looking for:
1. On the website, select: Products -> Personal safety -> Hearing protection
2. Now you will see an overview of the hearing protection types available.
Press the selected hearing protection type, e.g. "electronic hearing protection" - There will be a number of hearing protection in the product group, both functions, colors and price ranges.
3. Use the filters to find the attenuation your hearing protection must cover by searching for the SNR value that you calculated in STEP 3, or you can search for the different frequencies that you
calculated in STEP 4.
When you press the search criterion you want to use, a list appears. Here you can mark one or more parameters you want to search for. You can search for several criteria at once. If you want to delete your search criteria, press "reset"
4. When you have chosen your search criteria, the hearing protectors that match your search will appear. In this search, we have chosen a hearing protector with Radio, from 3M, which has an SNR value of 29 dB.
The hearing protection that matches our criteria is a 3M Peltor WS Alert XP hearing protection.
5. You have now found your hearing protection, but should you have any questions or need more advice, contact our customer service, who is ready to help you
MAINTENANCE AND CARE:
In this section, you will find good advice and tips on how to maintain and extend the life of your hearing protection.
Hygiene kit:
On virtually all hearing protectors, you can replace the hygiene kit. The hygiene set, are the small and noise-reducing "powders", which ensure that the hearing protection fits close to the head and that harmful noise does not occur.
In order for your hearing protection to perform optimally at all times, it is recommended that you replace the hygiene kit twice a year. On our website, you can easily find the hygiene kits that fit the hearing protection under related products. Here you can also find other spare parts, cables, headbands etc.
Hygiene rings / Comfort rings:
For many types of hearing protection, the so-called hygiene rings or comfort rings are available. These rings can be put on the hygiene kit and replaced from time to time. These hygiene rings ensure that skin residues, grease and dirt do not spread on the hygiene set. Sanitary rings are for one-time use and are changed every time, so that the wear and tear on the hygiene kit is reduced. The rings are sweat absorbent, which means that you will not experience moisture and condensation in the hearing protection.
Cleaning:
It is recommended that the hearing protectors be cleaned after use. Use regular wet wipes or wet wipes with disinfection. It is important that the hearing protection does not get wet, so do not rinse the hearing protection or the hygiene kit in water. Disinfection wipes are suitable, as they remove grease and dirt, so that the hearing protection can fit optimally again. - Item no.: 375IW50 (disinfection wipes)
Storage:
Always make sure that your hearing protection is stored correctly. Avoid dropping the hearing protection or placing objects on top of it. Blows, pressure or the like reduce the function of the hearing protection. You can advantageously store your hearing protection in a hard plastic container so that it is not exposed to damage.
LIST OF TERMS:
AUX / Auxiliary:
Means external connection. With AUX, it is possible to connect an external device to your hearing protection. This can e.g. be a mobile phone.
Bluetooth:
Wireless connection. Allows you to connect an external device wirelessly. It requires that the external device is also equipped with Bluetooth. Bluetooth is short-range, so you need to be close to the external device to connect.
dB: dB = Decibels.
Decibel is a unit of measurement for sound.
Operating hours:
Operating time is the time the hearing protection works on one set of batteries. When the operating time has expired, the batteries can be changed or charged, depending on the model, and then the hearing protection works again. The older the batteries, the shorter the operating time will be. Operating time is also significantly shortened if Bluetooth is used.
The attenuation value:
The attenuation value is an expression of how many dB of sound the hearing protection removes. This can vary depending on the sound frequency of the sound.
EN 352:
EN 352 is the international approval for hearing protection and means they are approved for use on worktops etc. where they must meet strict requirements regarding quality and attenuation levels. The EN 352 approval is subsequently categorized with the numbers 1-6, which tell which type of hearing protection it is.
FM:
FM is a VHF frequency band from 87.5 MHz for radio. Hearing protection with FM is therefore equipped with a radio that operates on a frequency band. The same applies to hearing protection, which is equipped with an AM radio.
Hi-Viz:
Hi-viz stands for "high visible" and means "high visibility". The colors are often exuberant, e.g. neon yellow, neon green, neon pink and reflect when the light hits them. This means that the colors can be seen in the dark. Hi-viz provides high visibility and increases safety.
High frequency:
High frequency sounds are sounds in the high sound spectrum. These sounds can best be described as shrill and are extremely unpleasant and harmful to the ears. Often mechanical sounds will fall under this category.
Medium frequency:
Middle frequency sounds are a bit difficult to define. These sounds are often ordinary noise, such as loud music, noisy people, heavy traffic etc.
Low frequency:
Low frequency sounds can be just as harmful as high frequency sounds. These sounds are often deeper and darker. The best description of these sounds are "humming" sounds.
Communication:
A hearing protector with communication makes it possible to speak through the hearing protector. These hearing protectors are equipped with a microphone, which makes two-way communication possible and allows you to talk on the phone, even in noisy environments, without discomfort.
Comradio:
Komradio is an internal communication system which works in the same way as a walkie talkie. This makes it possible to communicate via channels with other employees who are equipped with the same hearing protection.
Listening function:
Overhearing functions make it possible to carry on a conversation in noisy environments without having to take off the hearing protection. The smart technology removes only harmful noise, so you can still hear everything below 85 dB. You will still be able to hear alarms and the other employees.
SNR value:
"Simplified Noise level Reduction" (SNR) indicates the hearing protection's attenuation of general noise. In contrast to dB, which is the noise level, the SNR value is the attenuation provided by the hearing protection.
