Hearing Protection
What You Should Know About Hearing Protection
The best hearing protection is the one you actually want to wear. Because then you’ll actually use it. That’s why it’s important to choose hearing protection that suits both you and the task at hand.
Passive or Active Hearing Protection?
There are essentially two types of hearing protection to choose from: passive hearing protection and electronic hearing protection.
Passive hearing protection is ideal if you simply need standard hearing protection. However, if you wear passive hearing protection for extended periods, it can feel a bit like “being cut off from the outside world.” In that case, we recommend choosing electronic hearing protection instead.
Electronic hearing protection is ideal if you frequently use hearing protection and want the ability to listen to the radio, stream music, or talk on the phone while working. You can also choose models with electronic ambient listening, allowing you to hear colleagues speaking and surrounding traffic such as cars and forklifts.
If you wear a safety helmet, make sure your hearing protection is compatible with it.
Noise Exposure Limits
The Danish Working Environment Authority’s regulations are very clear. If noise levels exceed 80 dB, your employer must provide hearing protection. If the noise level exceeds 85 dB, the use of hearing protection is mandatory.
How Much Noise Can You Tolerate?
You can normally tolerate a noise exposure level of 85 dB for up to 8 hours. However, if the noise level increases by just 3 dB, the harmful effect doubles. This means you can only remain exposed to the noise for half as long — in other words, only 4 hours.
If you work in an environment with a noise level of 100 dB, you should not be exposed to it for more than 15 minutes.
Noise Levels
A noise exposure level of 85 dB(A) corresponds to the following exposure times:
- 85 dB(A) for 8 hours
- 88 dB(A) for 4 hours
- 91 dB(A) for 2 hours
- 94 dB(A) for 1 hour
- 97 dB(A) for 30 minutes
- 100 dB(A) for 15 minutes
How Much Should Hearing Protection Reduce Noise?
Any noise above 80 dB is harmful. Therefore, your hearing protection should reduce the noise level to approximately 70–75 dB. It should not reduce the noise too much, as you still need to hear what is going on around you. A standard high-quality hearing protector typically provides noise reduction of 30–38 dB.
How to Calculate the Required Noise Reduction
First, you need to determine the noise level you are exposed to and the frequency range of the noise — whether it is mainly high-frequency, mid-frequency, or low-frequency noise (the so-called HML value).
Once you know these two factors, you can determine which hearing protection you need. The attenuation performance is specified using the SNR value (Simplified Noise Reduction), which describes the average noise reduction provided by the hearing protector in decibels (dB).
Examples of High-Frequency Noise
High-frequency noise is typically generated by equipment such as:
- Circular saws
- Mitre saws
- Angle grinders
- Chainsaws
Examples of Mid-Frequency Noise
Mid-frequency noise is typically generated by:
- Hand tools
- Lathes
- Lawn mowers
- Traffic
Examples of Low-Frequency Noise
Low-frequency noise is typically generated by:
- Engines
- Compressors
- Ventilation systems
- Sheet pile driving operations
Achieve Optimal Protection
Hearing Protection Requires Maintenance
To ensure hearing protection continues to perform optimally, it is important that the ear cushions maintain a proper seal.
We therefore recommend replacing the sealing rings (hygiene kits) twice a year. The sealing rings can also be fitted with hygiene covers (disposable hygiene pads), which are practical for use in hot and dirty working environments.
5 Things to Consider When Choosing Hearing Protection
Keep in mind that the largest hearing protector is not always the best solution. Always make sure to check the type of noise you are working in before choosing your hearing protection.
How loud is the noise you are working with?
Do you need to be able to make phone calls while wearing your hearing protection?
Do you need to communicate with others while wearing your hearing protection?
Would you like the option to listen to the radio or stream music while working?
Types of Hearing Protection:
Earplugs are available in a variety of materials and designs. They may come with a cord, flanges, or a detectable metal ball, and are available as either disposable or reusable versions.
Band-mounted earplugs are easy to use and practical for intermittent use, as the band can be worn comfortably around the neck when not in use.
Passive hearing protectors feature tightly sealing ear cushions that block out noise effectively. They are available with different attenuation ratings and in a range of designs, including headband, neckband, foldable, and helmet-mounted versions.
Electronic hearing protectors feature tightly sealing ear cushions that effectively reduce noise exposure.
- FM Radio or DAB: Allows you to listen to the radio while working.
- Ambient Listening: Enables communication by picking up surrounding sounds and voices.
- Bluetooth: Allows you to make phone calls and stream music or radio directly from your mobile device.
- Communication Hearing Protection: Features a built-in two-way radio system, enabling communication across multiple channels.
This guide is prepared by
Nordic Safety Alliance
Specialists in safety equipment for industry and construction for 80 years.