Different types of hearing protection

2021-02-08

Though small in stature compared to other PPE, hearing protection makes a huge difference in the life of a worker who needs it. And having the right hearing protection makes all the difference in not only your time on the job but your time off the job, too. Luckily, there is more than one kind of hearing protection to ensure you get the best option for your work environment.

Want more information on Types of Hearing Protection? Feel free to contact us.

According to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), there are several types of hearing protection that people can wear to help reduce the impact of noisy environments and the risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss.

Types of hearing protection

Disposable foam earplugs

Arguably the most popular type of hearing protection, these earplugs are made of a formable/moldable foam material that’s designed to expand and conform to the unique shape of each person’s ear canal once inserted.

• How to wear: To insert, first roll the earplug between your thumb and fingers into a thin, crease-free cylinder that’s thin enough to fit easily into your ear canal. Then, reach over your head with one hand to pull up on your ear, while using your other hand to insert. Please note that the earplug must be inserted all the way into the ear canal so that no part of the earplug is sticking out.
  • Here’s a video to better understand proper insertion.
  • HexArmor® hearing protection offers three sizes of disposable foam earplugs.

Disposable foam earplugs can be found in most drug stores, grocery stores, or PPE supply stores.

Pre-molded, reusable earplugs

Pre-molded earplugs, more commonly referred to as reusable, are made from silicone, plastic, or rubber and are manufactured as either one-size-fits-most or are available in several sizes. Many pre-molded plugs are available in sizes for small, medium, or large ear canals.

A critical tip from The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): Because the earplugs should offer a secure fit without being uncomfortable, you may need different earplug sizes for each ear. Take time to test various sizes and styles to see what works best for you.

• How to wear: To insert, reach over your head with one hand to pull up on your ear. Then use your other hand to insert the plug with a gentle rocking motion until you have sealed the ear canal.
  • HexArmor® hearing protection offers two sizes of reusable earplugs.

Advantages of pre-molded plugs are that they are relatively inexpensive, reusable, washable, convenient to carry, and come in a variety of sizes – helping workers find their most comfortable and effective earplug. Plus, in dirty or dusty environments, reusable earplugs don’t need to be handled or rolled.

Detectable protection

Because preventing food contamination is a top priority, many food manufacturing facilities use metal detecting machines that test outgoing product for metal, which is why detectable hearing protection is needed. These can come in a few different forms, including disposable and reusable earplugs.

• How to wear: Follow best practices per type of hearing device found in this blog.
  • HexArmor® hearing protection offers several kinds of detectable earplugs:
    • Detectable disposable earplugs for loud noise environments (corded)
    • Detectable disposable earplugs for low noise environments (corded)
    • Detectable disposable guided earplugs for medium environments (corded)
    • Detectable reusable guided earplugs for medium environments (corded)

Detectable earplugs are typically a blue or hi-vis color to contrast against most food products and come with an interior metal detectable component. Using these earplugs is one of the easiest ways to help prevent contamination of food products at a facility.

Canal caps

These are basically earplugs on a flexible plastic or metal band. A more formal description is that canal caps offer formable or pre-molded (disposable or reusable) earplug material that connects to a static or jointed headband that can be worn over the head, behind the neck, or under the chin.

Note that canal caps only close the ear opening and typically do not extend into the ear canal; therefore, protection is not as high as earplugs or earmuffs.

• How to wear: Similar to regular earplugs, pull the outer ear up and back, then insert the tips of the caps into the ear, firmly pushing and wiggling them into place.

These are ideal for situations where hearing protection must be taken on and off frequently. However, not all canal caps have tips that adequately block all types of noise, and they are NOT designed for continuous, long-term wearing.

Earmuffs

Earmuffs are made with sound-attenuating material and soft ear cushions that work to block out noise by completely covering the outer ear and use a banded strap to connect the muffs. They are quite adept at muffling sound out and can be used in conjunction with earplugs if more protection is needed from hazardous noise. Several models and styles are available to help ensure proper fit and function, including options with electronic components to help users communicate or to block impulsive noises.

• How to wear: Simply place earmuffs over your head and secure them over your ears. If you are wearing these with the addition of earplugs, make sure those are properly inserted first.
  • HexArmor® hearing protection offers both banded earmuffs and safety helmet attachment earmuff options that range from 22-30 dB

Please note that heavy facial hair or glasses may affect the fit of earmuffs by interfering with the tight seal needed for proper protection against the face. For these workers, a different solution may be needed, such as earplugs.

New innovations by HexArmor®

HexArmor® has some innovative designs for workers needing different options for hearing protection.

Ergonomically-guided earplugs – Because many workers like the comfort of foam earplugs but don’t want to manually roll them in dirty environments or risk taking their gloves off, foam earplugs are also available on a plastic guiding stem or pin. HexArmor's guiding pins are ergonomically shaped like an ear canal for comfort and fit and come complete with left and right denoted paddles for easy grip. Plus, the earplugs on the end are replaceable.

• How to wear: You insert guided earplugs much like a pre-molded earplug without having to roll the foam. Grip the left and right denoted paddles and insert them into each respective ear. The guided pin will make insertion much easier and faster than non-guided earplugs.
  • Learn more about simpleFit® earplugs

Speech-perceiving earplugs – When workers don’t need the full protection of most earplugs, this earplug rates at a lower attenuation and allows spoken word to be heard – which can be a huge advantage depending on the work environment. With strategic and integrated cavities in the direction of the eardrum, these earplugs provide softer acoustics and absorb disruptive noises, but allow excellent speech perception.

• How to wear: Insertion is the same as other disposable earplugs. First roll the earplug between your thumb and fingers into a thin, crease-free cylinder that’s thin enough to fit easily into your ear canal. Then, reach over your head with one hand to pull up on your ear, while using your other hand to insert. Please note that the earplug must be inserted all the way into the ear canal as such that no part of the earplug is sticking out.
  • Here’s a video to better understand proper insertion.
  • Learn more about safeComm® earplugs

Not sure what you need? HexArmor® can help

With all these options available, the best hearing device is the one that not only provides proper protection against the hazardous noise level(s) in your environment but that also makes sense with your application and offers all-day comfort and compliance on the job.

There are several factors to consider when choosing which earplug or earmuff technology is right for you, which is why HexArmor® offers a variety of hearing safety information as well as varying levels of hearing protection so you can be properly protected for your specific application and environment.

Let us know if you need help finding what you need or if you're ready to start a trial - our Solution Specialists are ready to work with you. Call 1-877-MY ARMOR or send us a message.

Browse all HexArmor® hearing protection

How can I protect my hearing at work?

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The surest method of preventing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is to eliminate the source or to reduce noise at the source by engineering methods. However, in certain situations, these measures are not possible. In such workplaces, workers may need to wear hearing protectors to reduce the amount of noise reaching the ears.

What are some things I should know about selecting hearing protection devices?

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People should wear a hearing protector if the noise or sound level they are exposed to is close to or greater than the occupational exposure limits (OEL) for noise. For most jurisdictions, this occupational exposure limit is 85 decibels (A-weighted) or dBA. Hearing protectors reduce the noise exposure level and the risk of hearing loss when worn correctly.

If hearing protection is required, then a complete hearing conservation program should be implemented. A hearing conservation program includes noise assessment, methods for controlling noise, hearing protector selection, employee training and education, audiometric testing, maintenance, inspection, record keeping, and program evaluation.

The effectiveness of hearing protection is reduced greatly if the hearing protectors do not fit properly, are not inserted or worn correctly, if they are worn only periodically, or if they are removed even for a short period of time. To maintain their effectiveness, the hearing protection should not be modified. Music earphones or headsets are not substitutes for hearing protectors and should not be worn where hearing protectors are required to protect against exposure to noise.

Select hearing protection that is:

• Correct for the job. Refer to the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standard Z94.2-14 (R2019) “Hearing Protection Devices - Performance, Selection, Care and Use” or contact the agency responsible for occupational health and safety legislation in your jurisdiction for more information.
• Adequate for the protection or noise attenuation required. Check the manufacturer's literature.
• Compatible with other required personal protective equipment, or communication devices.
• Comfortable enough to be worn.
• Appropriate for the temperature and humidity in the workplace.
• Able to provide adequate communication and audibility needs (e.g., the ability to hear alarms or warning sounds).

What types of hearing protectors are available?

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Earplugs are inserted in the ear canal. They may be premolded (preformed), moldable, rolldown foam, push-to-fit, or custom molded. Disposable, reusable and custom earplugs are available.

Semi-insert earplugs consist of two earplugs held over the ends of the ear canal by a rigid headband.

Earmuffs consist of sound-attenuating material and soft ear cushions that fit around the ear and hard outer cups. They are held together by a headband.

How do I pick my hearing protectors?

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The choice of hearing protectors is a very personal one and depends on a number of factors including level of noise, comfort, and the suitability of the hearing protector for both the worker and the environment. Most importantly, the hearing protector should provide the desired noise reduction. It is best, where hearing protectors must be used, to provide a choice of a number of different types and sizes to choose from.

If the noise exposure is intermittent, earmuffs are more desirable since it may be inconvenient to remove and reinsert earplugs. 
 

How can I find out how much a hearing protector can reduce a worker's exposure to noise?

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Manufacturers provide information about the noise-reducing capability of a hearing protector, referred to as an NRR (noise reduction rating) value. The NRR is based on laboratory conditions, therefore, calculations to de-rate the noise reduction rating should be done to reflect workplace conditions (see further below).

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If you want to learn more, please visit our website Prohear Shooting Earmuff.

CSA Standard Z94.2-14 (R2019) “Hearing protection devices — Performance, selection, care, and use” defines noise reduction rating as “a single number rating that indicates the overall hearing protector attenuation, computed as the difference between the overall C-weighted level of a noise spectrum having equal energy per octave and the A-weighted noise levels under a hearing protector, using mean attenuation data less two standard deviations, derived from the experimenter-fit-procedure of the 1974 edition of ANSI Z3.19 (withdrawn) as defined in EPA (1979)”. 

How do I use Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) values to determine the protection provided by a hearing protector?

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The NRR, or other similar systems such as the single number rating (SNR), is a method to more accurately determine the effective exposure of a person when wearing a hearing protector. These rating systems attempt to estimate the actual sound protection provided by hearing protectors when worn in actual working environments (vs. laboratory testing situations). The “real world” results are often different than laboratory tests with the main reasons for this difference being poor fit, and lack of proper training, supervision, and enforcement. For these reasons, training on the correct fit, and making sure users have a thorough understanding of hearing loss are important elements of the hearing conservation program.

Detailed calculations of the protection provided by a hearing protector involve using octave band analysis of the workplace noise and the noise attenuation provided by the hearing protector for noise in each octave band. Attenuation is defined by CSA Standard Z94.2-14 (R2019) “Hearing protection devices — Performance, selection, care, and use” as “the reduction in sound pressure level incident upon the ear due to the application of a hearing protector or, specifically, the change in hearing threshold level that results when a hearing protector is worn.”

Calculating noise attenuation of hearing protection and de-rating noise reduction values (NRR)

Source: CSA Z94.2-14 (R2019) “Hearing protection devices — Performance, selection, care, and use” Table 2

Earplugs 
Percent of NRR achieved: 50% 
For use with dBA: Leq – [NRR (0.50) – 3] = XX dBA 
For use with dBC: Lceq – NRR (0.5) = XX dBA

Earmuffs 
Percent of NRR achieved: 70% 
For use with dBA: Leq – [NRR (0.7) – 3] = XX dBA 
For use with dBC: Lceq – NRR (0.7) = XX dBA

Dual Protection (use of earplugs and earmuffs) 
Percent of NRR achieved: 65% 
For use with dBA: Leq– [(NRR + 5) (0.65) – 3] = XX dBA 
For use with dBC: Lceq – (NRR + 5) (0.65) = XX dBA

The NRR used for dual-protection calculations is higher of the individual NRRs of the two devices. 
Note: Certain CSA Group standards are available for online viewing. To access these, you must first create an account with “CSA Communities”.

Go to: "https://community.csagroup.org/login.jspa?referer=%252Findex.jspa" 
Once you are logged in, click on the text below the “OHS Standards / View Access” graphic. 
Click on the jurisdiction of your choice to see the CSA Standards as referenced in that legislation. 
Standards may also be purchased from CSA Group: "https://store.csagroup.org/"

As an example:

Measured workplace noise time-weighted average (TWA) exposure = 98 dBA 
Earplug with NRR = 29 dB 
Estimated noise exposure = 98 – [29(0.5) - 3] = 86.5 dBA

CSA Standard Z94.2-14 (R2019) provides further guidance on how to apply NRR calculations.

What is a Single Number Rating (SNR)?

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Both types of hearing protection offer advantages and disadvantages.

Earplugs can be mass-produced or individually molded to fit the ear. They can be reusable or disposable. On the positive side, they are simple to use, less expensive than muffs, and often more comfortable to wear when in hot or damp work areas. Some disadvantages are they provide less noise protection than some muffs, and should not be used in areas exceeding 105 dBA. Earplugs are less visible than  muffs, making it more difficult to confirm if they are worn. They must be properly inserted and inserted hygienically to provide adequate protection.

Earmuffs can vary with respect to the material and depth of the dome and the force of the headband. The deeper and heavier the dome, the greater the low-frequency attenuation provided by the protector. The headband must fit tightly enough to maintain a proper seal, yet not be too tight for comfort. Some advantages are that earmuffs usually provide greater protection than plugs, although this is not always true. They are easier to fit, generally more durable than plugs, and they have replaceable parts. On the negative side, they are more expensive and often less comfortable than plugs, especially in hot work areas. In areas where noise levels are very high, muffs and plugs can be worn together to give better protection.

The following table summarizes the differences between earplugs and earmuffs.

Comparison of Hearing ProtectionEarplugsEarmuffs 

Advantages:

• small and easily carried
• convenient to use with other personal protection equipment (can be worn with earmuffs)
• more comfortable for long-term wear in hot, humid work areas
• convenient for use in confined work areas 
   

Advantages:

• less attenuation variability among users
• designed so that one size fits most head sizes
• easily seen at a distance to assist in the monitoring of their use
• not easily misplaced or lost

• may be worn with minor ear infections

 

 

Disadvantages:

• requires more time to fit
• more difficult to insert and remove
• requires good hygiene practices
• may irritate the ear canal
• easily misplaced
• more difficult to see and monitor usage

Disadvantages:

• less portable and heavier
• more inconvenient for use with other personal protective equipment.
• more uncomfortable in hot, humid work area
• more inconvenient for use in confined work areas
• may interfere with the wearing of safety or prescription glasses: wearing glasses results in breaking the seal between the earmuff and the skin and results in decreased hearing protection.

Why is user preference so important?

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The human aspects of hearing protection are particularly important since the only useful kind of protection is the protection that is actually worn. Some people do not accept particular kinds of protectors; every human being is different, and the anatomy of the ear and ear canal can vary significantly from person to person.

It is a good idea for the employer to provide a number of different types and sizes of hearing protection from which workers can choose, keeping in mind any safety or hygienic reasons for not providing a particular kind of protector. That is, a particular type of protector should not be used if noise levels are too high or if it proves to be inadequate from a hygienic point of view. For example, earplugs which are used in a plant setting where people reuse them throughout the day, often reinserting them with dirty fingers, can introduce dirt and bacteria into the ears, causing ear infections.

The bottom line on hearing protection is worker preference. If the workers do not like the type of protection (for example, if it is uncomfortable, does not fit well, or is impractical), they will not wear it.

What should I know about the fit of my hearing protectors?

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 Follow the manufacturer's instructions. With earplugs, for example, the ear should be pulled outward and upward with the opposite hand to enlarge and straighten the ear canal, and insert the plug with clean hands.

• Ensure the hearing protector tightly seals within the ear canal or against the side of the head. Hair and clothing should not be in the way.

What happens to the protection level when hearing protectors are removed for short periods of time?

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In order to get the full benefit, hearing protectors must be worn all the time during noisy work. If hearing protectors are removed only for a short duration, the protection is substantially reduced. The following table gives a maximum protection provided for non-continuous use of an ideally fitted 100% efficient hearing protector. For example, when hearing protection is rated with an attenuation of 25dB, if one takes off their hearing protector for 5 minutes in an hour the maximum protection will be reduced to no more than 11dB.

Impact of removing hearing protectorTime removed (in 1 hr)Maximum 25 dB protection is reduced to (dB)0 minno reduction1 min175 min1110 min830 min360 min0

Source: Removal of hearing protectors severely reduces protection. Health and Safety Executive, UK (no date)

Hearing protectors must be used ALL THE TIME to get the full benefit.

How should I care for my hearing protection device?

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• Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Check hearing protection regularly for wear and tear.
• Replace ear cushions or plugs that are no longer pliable.
•  Replace the device when headbands are so stretched that they do not keep ear cushions snugly against the head.
• Disassemble earmuffs to clean.
• Wash earmuffs with a mild liquid detergent in warm water, and then rinse in clear warm water. Ensure that the sound-attenuating material inside the ear cushions does not get wet.
• Use a soft brush to remove skin oil and dirt that can harden ear cushions.
• Squeeze excess moisture from the plugs or cushions, then place them on a clean surface to air dry. (Check the manufacturer's recommendations first to find out if the earplugs are washable.)
   

 

 

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• Fact sheet last revised: 2023-06-08