Key Questions to Ask When Ordering Types of Ear Protection

What style of hearing protection is right for me?

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Passive or Electronic?

Passive hearing protection is sufficient for many situations. It is a good choice for short-term use where communication and situational awareness are not factors, providing effective hearing protection at minimal cost.

Electronic hearing protection allows you to remain aware of your environment, communicate more easily, and feel more comfortable. Passive hearing protectors cut you off from all sounds, not just loud ones, which can be disconcerting and reduce concentration.

How much protection do I need (NRR)?

You want just enough protection to safeguard your hearing. Excessive protection can lead to isolation and be unsafe. A higher NRR usually means a larger earmuff, which may cause other issues. The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) indicates the level of noise attenuation provided. Generally, a higher NRR number means more noise is attenuated. NRR is usually a number between 20 and 30.

In-Ear or Over-the-Ear?

Both in-ear and over-the-ear styles, available as passive or electronic protectors, can provide adequate protection. Selection depends on comfort, fit, price, and performance for your usage.

Comfort

Environmental Factors – Earmuffs trap heat, which can increase comfort in cooler climates but cause discomfort in hot weather. In-ear protectors are cooler in hot weather but leave your ears exposed in the cold.

Form Factor – Earmuffs must fit securely. Gaps due to shape, hair, glasses, or hats can cause sound leakage. The headband's compressive force can cause headaches over time. In-ear protection relies on ear tips, which come in foam or rubber, and require a good seal to avoid leaks. Foam tips with good memory can reduce irritation.

Weight – The materials used impact weight. Heavier earmuffs can cause discomfort if worn for extended periods.

Fit Issues

Headgear – Glasses, hats, and long hair can create gaps in earmuff seals, leading to sound leaks. Special attachments can help earmuffs fit better with helmets and hardhats.

Head Size – Earmuffs fit most but not all head sizes. Adjustments via the headband can improve fit. Ear plugs are generally one-size-fits-all but may be uncomfortable for people with non-standard ear canals.

Ear Shape – Ears vary greatly in shape and size, affecting how well earmuffs and earplugs fit. Look for flexible materials with memory for in-ear protection.

Secure Fit – A secure fit is crucial for effective hearing protection. Earmuffs are easier to wear correctly, while earplugs require more effort to insert properly. Ear hooks can help secure earbuds during strenuous activities.

Performance

Clarity of Sound – Sound quality is crucial for electronic hearing protectors. High-quality audio is important for avoiding fatigue and maintaining concentration. Factors impacting sound quality include microphones, speakers, and amplifiers.

Adjustability – Some electronic protectors allow separate amplification adjustments for each ear, beneficial for balancing sound and accommodating unequal hearing loss.

Interference – Hearing protectors should not interfere with your tasks. Consider the trade-off between NRR level and intended activity.

Connectivity – Electronic and passive protectors can connect to radios, phones, and other devices, often via a 3mm mic jack or Bluetooth.

Battery Type – Batteries for hearing protection include AAA, AA, N, and CR123. Some protectors are rechargeable.

Warranty – Reliability is key. Look for longer warranties to ensure higher quality.

Price – Passive protection ranges from a few dollars to $100 for custom plugs. Electronic protection ranges from $30 to $500. Choose based on features and performance.

Where it is made – Most hearing protectors are made outside the USA, with only a few models produced domestically.

Features

• Auto shutoff
• Low battery warnings
• Self-diagnostics
• Adjustments for different noise environments

We live in a noisy world. Some noises can damage our hearing, leading to hearing loss, tinnitus, and difficulty communicating. Permanent noise-induced hearing damage is incurable. Hearing protection is your only option if you cannot reduce noise exposure. But with many styles, materials, colors, and sizes, how do you know which is best for you? National Protect Your Hearing Month is the perfect opportunity to discuss tips for picking the right hearing protector.

1) Know How Much Noise Reduction You Need

The first consideration is whether the hearing protector will block enough noise. Most industrial noise exposures are less than 95 dBA, requiring no more than about 10 dB of noise reduction. If you don’t know the noise levels at your worksite, measure them with an app like the NIOSH Sound Level Meter.

Louder environments require higher levels of reduction. Overprotection can be counterproductive, causing isolation and reducing situational awareness. Aim for enough noise reduction to bring exposure down to 75-85 dBA.

Fit-testing is the best way to know how much reduction you are getting. If unavailable, you can check earplug fit by cupping and uncupping your hands over your ears.

For noise levels of 100 dBA or greater or impulsive sounds, wear double protection (earmuffs over earplugs).

2) Think About Your Worksite and Job Tasks

Consider workplace characteristics beyond noise levels. For example, do you wear other head-level PPE? Eye protection and hats can interfere with earmuff seals. Earmuffs are easier to remove and replace than earplugs, making them better for intermittent noise exposures.

Consider the type of work you do. Foam earplugs may not be suitable if your hands frequently get dirty. Earmuffs can be uncomfortable in hot or cold environments.

If you need to hear speech often, consider flat attenuation protectors or communication headsets.

3) Decide What is Most Comfortable and Convenient

Choose a protector that is comfortable and convenient, as hearing protection only works if worn consistently and correctly. Many people find earplugs more comfortable than earmuffs, especially in hot environments. Earplugs are lightweight and easy to store but may be harder to fit properly.

Earmuffs are generally one-size devices and easier to fit correctly. They are easier to remove and replace quickly, making them preferable for intermittent use. However, they are bulkier and may be uncomfortable in warm places or tight spaces.

Your hearing health relies on choosing and using the right hearing protection for your work tasks. This National Protect Your Hearing Month, ensure you are using the best protection for your needs. Wear it every time you are exposed to noise levels above 85 dBA. Your ears will thank you!

CAPT William J. Murphy, Ph.D., is a research physicist with the NIOSH Division of Applied Research and Technology.

Christa L. Themann, MA, CCC-A, is a research audiologist with the NIOSH Division of Applied Research and Technology.

CAPT Chucri (Chuck) A. Kardous, MS, PE, is a research engineer with the NIOSH Division of Applied Research and Technology.

CAPT David C. Byrne, Ph.D., CCC-A, is a research audiologist with the NIOSH Division of Applied Research and Technology.

Additional resources:

NIOSH Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Best practice bulletin: Hearing Protection - Emerging Trends: Individual Fit Testing

Hearing Protection – OSH WIKI

For more information, please visit Passive Vs Electronic Earmuffs.