The use of hearing protection

Unless hearing protection is worn 100% of the time that a person is exposed to damaging noise levels the protection afforded is very limited.  Listed below are a number of points which need to be considered if the use of hearing protectors is to be adopted.

• A choice of hearing protectors suitable for the noise to be protected against must be made available, one type of protector will not suit all people, if the protectors do not fit or are uncomfortable, they will not afford enough protection or will not be worn.

• The hearing protectors must be selected to protect against the particular noise environment, different types of protector give better protection against different noise frequencies.

• Other protective equipment (goggles, hard hats etc.) may interfere with the wearing of hearing protection. Special care is required in the selection of equipment in those cases.

• Hearing protectors which provide too much sound attenuation are almost as bad as those which do not provide enough. The higher the attenuation the more difficult communication etc. will be.

• Any hearing protectors must be individually issued and regularly inspected and maintained.

• The activities and areas, which require the use of hearing protection, must be clearly defined.

• Training and education for those required to use hearing protection is essential to ensure that equipment is used correctly and that the dangers of exposure to high noise levels, even for short periods of time, is appreciated.