Excessive occupational noise is a common risk in workplaces with noisy tools and machinery, and around truck and forklift traffic. Exposure to loud noises, such as jackhammers, jet engines, firearms and many others, can put workers at risk. Damage to our hearing is irreparable, resulting in slight or complete hearing loss. Still, it is preventable if the appropriate hearing protection is used. Choosing the proper hearing protection, whether disposable, reusable, detachable or customised, is critical because when fitted and used correctly, efficacy is maximised and dangerous noise levels are reduced.
The Pros & Cons
Earmuffs
Easy fitment is the main advantage of using earmuffs. A headband connects two ear cups on each end. They are positioned over the ears and across the top of the head, creating a comfortable seal around the ears to reduce noise levels. Some are also available as a cap-attachable option to fit onto hard hats. They are reliable and consistent because of their adjustability for a more personalised fit. Earmuffs are durable, and their size allows them to be spotted quickly, making them difficult to misplace. Earmuffs are a better alternative for cooler weather since they can comfortably provide warmth over the ears.
However, since they only sit over the ears, earmuffs might not provide as good a seal against high noise levels as earplugs that sit directly inside the ear canal. For users with long hair, the efficacy of earmuffs can be reduced as hair can compromise the seal around the ears. Integrating other PPE, such as eyewear with earmuffs, is also difficult and often results in compromised performance for either eye protection or hearing protection.
Earplugs
Unlike earmuffs, earplugs are smaller and are inserted directly inside the ear canal. They do not extend outside of the ear, and their size makes them an ideal choice when wearing other forms of PPE, such as safety glasses and hard hats. Earplugs do not interfere with any other form of PPE, so they are less likely to lose efficacy against dangerous noise levels.
Earplugs are highly versatile. They come in various sizes, shapes, colours and materials. They are available as corded or uncorded, disposable or reusable, expandable or pre-moulded. Metal detectable earplugs are also available for food manufacturing facilities, which helps prevent the contamination of food products in cases where an earplug might have fallen off from the user and potentially into food production. Earplugs are very light and can be easily stored in a pocket as they do not take up much space. They are also a cheaper alternative to earmuffs and can be purchased in bulk.
Earplugs, however, are more difficult to fit than earmuffs, and users must ensure that they are correctly inserted in the ear to provide maximum protection. The smaller size of the earplugs makes it challenging for the user to handle during colder temperatures or other hazardous conditions where the user is potentially wearing thick gloves. Hands must always be cleaned before rolling earplugs and inserting them into the ear canal to reduce infections.
Protect Them While You Can
Over-exposure to dangerous noise levels at work can lead to hearing loss, some of which can be permanent. Understanding the differences between the two pieces of hearing protection allows you to select the most appropriate moments to utilise each kind. Despite the differences, an essential aspect to consider is their level of protection against varying noise levels. Both types of hearing protection have a decibel rating (dB), informing the wearer how much noise is blocked.
Under the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1270:2002, a 'class' system is a simplified way to choose a hearing protector suitable for noise exposure. The standard categorises hearing protection into five classes, with Class 1 being the lowest level of protection and Class 5 being the highest.
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