Wearing ear protection can mean the difference between hearing perfectly and going deaf. Ear protection is one of the easier types of PPE to understand compared to other types. However, it still comes with its own set of confusing symbols.
By the end of this article, you will have no trouble selecting the appropriate ear protection, whether for yourself or an employee.
Ear protection types
There are various types of ear protection, some of which are more specialised than others. The most common are earmuffs or ear defenders. Earplugs are also commonly used but provide less protection.
When selecting ear protection, three factors must be considered: the environment, the noise, and the fit. These factors directly impact the type of protection you should use. The type of noises you are likely to hear, as well as how sound travels, are determined by the environment. You must determine how many decibels the noise is or is expected to be. This will ensure your protection meets the standards. Finally, your ear protection must be properly fitted; if there is a gap, it may be ineffective.
Ear defenders/earmuffs
Ear defenders are designed to provide over-the-ear protection. They come in various materials and levels of protection. For example, some earmuffs have replaceable ear cushions, whereas others are designed to be inserted into a hard hat, providing ear and head protection.
Earplugs are a convenient and easy-to-use alternative to ear defenders. However, they must also be a perfect fit for the ear. This ensures the appropriate level of safety. The orange PU foam design is the most common type of these earplugs and can be found in almost every workplace or construction site. Following closely behind are rubber plugs resembling in-ear headphones. Each design offers a different level of protection against various decibel levels.
What is SNR?
SNR (Single Number Rating) is used to compare different hearing protectors and their noise level protection. The SNR value is subtracted from the measured average noise level to give you a dB limit. For example, if the average noise level is 99 dB and the SNR is 19, the acoustic pressure on the ears would be 80 dB.
As a result, the greater the SNR value, the better the ear protection.
Contact Procon Marketing for details
Procon understands the importance of safety in the workplace. Therefore, we offer a wide range of ear protection. Whether you work in construction, manufacturing, transportation, or any other industry, high-quality hearing protection is a must-have investment.
Contact our team today for more information about our ear protection offers. Alternatively, please browse our website to find the right solution for your needs.
