There is a range of personal protective equipment that is mandatory depending on the industry. One of these is hearing protection, which is designed to protect workers from harmful noise in their working environment. According to European regulations 2003/10 / EC, hearing protection is mandatory whenever the noise level in the worker's environment exceeds 85 decibels.
What is it for?
The use of hearing protection contributes greatly to eliminating or reducing noise levels, helping to reduce the risk of serious hearing damage.
What types of hearing protectors are there?
Earplugs are designed to be inserted into the ear canal. They can be disposable or reusable.
The reusable ones can be washed after use. Both come with a drawstring (to go around the head) or without.
Disposable earplugs are usually made of polyurethane (PU) foam, specially designed for protection in cases of prolonged exposure. The material is soft and smooth, ensuring easy insertion.
Advantages
Comfortable: Adapts to the unique shape of the ear canal
Affordable: Low price per pair
Effective: Loud noise reduction when used correctly
Example: Moldex Disposable Plug S/Wire 35DB
The reusable ones are made of TPE (Thermoplastic Polypropylene Elastomer).
Advantages
Less waste: Can be reused many times
Economic: Less frequent replacement for greater monetary compensation in the long term
Versatile: The material is not absorbent. It works well in humid conditions or with heavy perspiration.
Example: Moldex Reusable Plug S/Wire 30D
The ear protectors consist of a headband with 2 earphones. They can be connected to a protective helmet if necessary. It is the ideal protection against intermittent noise or for people who cannot adapt to earplugs comfortably and safely. They are also washable.
Advantages
Easy to use: Most people use them without difficulty
Practical: Quickly insert and remove hearing protection as required
Alternative to earplugs: Some people can't, or prefer not to, use earplugs
Example: Rumor Protector IV SNR 25dB
For both hearing protectors, the level of exposure must be taken into account. The main method of measuring the level of noise exposure is through an assessment. In this way, it is possible to observe the level of exposure that the employee is subjected to while carrying out their professional tasks.
Depending on the level of exposure, the appropriate noise attenuation level is recommended.
Example:
Let's say you're in a factory with a noise level of 70 dB, you could wear a hearing protector with an attenuation of up to 35 dB. You would then hear +/- 35 dB, which corresponds to the ambient noise/sound of a quiet living room. It's important to realize that the protector can attenuate up to a certain value of Decibels, and can be lower if the outside sounds are inconstant.
It's important to note that using a hearing protector doesn't create the sensation that you'll stop hearing altogether, it simply reduces the sound to acceptable levels, protecting your health.
Source: APSEI - Portuguese Security Association
