Note: If you have or use hearing protection, please contact EHS if your area has not had a noise survey by EHS.
For more information, please visit Custom Shooting Hearing Protection.
Hearing protectors are required to prevent noise induced hearing loss. Hearing protection devices reduce the noise energy reaching and causing damage to the inner ear. Ear muffs and earplugs are the most common types of PPE.
PPE for hearing protection is required for employees who are exposed to noise levels equal to or greater than 85 decibels averaged over an eight-hour period.
General Stores stocks a selection of hearing protectors, which can be obtained with a safety requisition form.
When employees are exposed to noise levels over 85 dBA/TWA, the standard requires that a Hearing Conservation Program be implemented. Required elements are:
1. Noise evaluations.
2. Selection of hearing protection.
3. Initial training.
4. Annual refresher training.
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The best ways to protect your hearing are to avoid exposure to loud sounds, move away from the noise, or turn down the volume. When these options arent possible, hearing protectorsearplugs or protective earmuffscan help. Hearing protectors are wearable devices that can lower the intensity of sound that enters your ears.
Loud sounds can damage sensitive structures in your inner ear, causing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus (ringing, roaring, or buzzing in the ears). The louder the sound, the faster it can damage your hearing.
NIHL is a significant health problem for U.S. youth and adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), self-reported hearing tests show that about one in seven U.S. teens and nearly one in four U.S. adults (ages 20 to 69) have features suggestive of NIHL in one or both ears.
Hearing damage can happen instantly. The sound of a gunshot at close range, for example, can cause immediate and permanent damage. Other types of very loud sounds can cause hearing loss in less than 15 minutes. Exposure to repetitive loud noisefrom machinery at a worksite, for examplemay result in hearing loss over time.
Sound is measured in units called decibels. Sounds at or below 70 A-weighted decibels (dBA) are generally safe. A single very loud noise or long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss. Here are average decibel ratings for a few familiar sounds:
The Sound Level Meter app developed for iOS devices by the CDCs National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is one example of a free decibel meter app that can help you evaluate sound risks in your environment.
If you anticipate being in a loud setting or participating in a noisy activity, wear earplugs or protective earmuffs to safeguard your hearing. Hearing protectors are recommended for these settings and activities:
Make it a habit to wear hearing protectors when you expect to be in a loud setting, and keep earplugs or protective earmuffs handy for unexpected loud noises. If loud noise happens suddenly or unexpectedly, cover your ears with your hands and move away from the noise, if possible.
Earplugs and protective earmuffs are available from retail stores or online. Examples include formable foam earplugs, pre-molded earplugs, canal caps, and safety earmuffs. Musician earplugs are custom-made earplug molds intended to protect hearing while also allowing as much natural sound as possible to safely enter the ear. Choose a type of hearing protector that is comfortable and easy for you to use, so that you will use it consistently and correctly.
Hearing protectors dont block all sound. Most hearing protectors have a noise reduction rating (NRR). In general, the higher the NRR, the more sound is blocked (if you are wearing the device correctly). Choose hearing protectors that allow you to communicate well in a noisy environment, so that you dont have to remove them during conversation. Even briefly removing your hearing protectors in a very loud environment puts your hearing at risk.
Consult a hearing health professional if you need help selecting hearing protection, or for information about custom-made earplugs.
Earplugs
Earplugs are inexpensive devices placed directly into your ear canal. Earplugs come in various sizes, but can be hard to find in sizes that fit children. Earplugs may have cords attached to help you keep track of them. Specialty earplugs, including earplugs that are custom-molded to your ears, are also available.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Behind Head Earmuffs.
Formable foam earplugs
Pre-molded, high-fidelity earplugs
Canal caps
How to use formable foam earplugs:
How to use pre-molded earplugs:
How to use canal caps:
Proper fit is important for successful hearing protection. After inserting earplugs, your voice should sound different to youpossibly louder and/or muffled. The earplugs should feel comfortable and secure in your ears. Ask a friend or use a mirror to check positioning. You may need to practice for a comfortable, secure fit. Wearing earplugs shouldnt be painful. Never force earplugs into your ears. If you cant secure a comfortable fit, consider using protective earmuffs instead.
Protective earmuffs
Protective earmuffs are easy-to-use, padded plastic and foam cups joined by an adjustable headband. (They arent the soft earmuffs worn for warmth.) They reduce noise by completely covering both ears. Sizes for adults and children are available. Earmuffs are easier than earplugs to use correctly, especially for young children.
Earmuffs might not work as well for people who wear glasses because the arms of the glasses can create gaps between the earmuff cushion and the skull. If you wear glasses, check to make sure the earmuffs seal properly. Hairstyles, hats, and facial hair can create gaps that make protective earmuffs less effective.
Protective earmuffs
How to use protective earmuffs:
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), supports research on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of NIHL. The NIDCD also supports research to increase accessible, affordable hearing health care.
The NIDCD maintains a directory of organizations that provide information on the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language.
For more information, contact us at:
NIDCD Information Clearinghouse
1 Communication Avenue
Bethesda, MD -
Toll-free voice: (800) 241-
Toll-free TTY: (800) 241-
:
NIH Pub. No. 20-DC-
November
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