Hearing health care at work is vital, as prolonged exposure to loud noise can lead to both temporary and permanent hearing loss , impacting employees' quality of life and job performance.
Why wear hearing protection?
It prevents permanent hearing loss and is essential to comply with labour laws to avoid penalties. At the same time, it promotes workplace safety.
It increases concentration and productivity by reducing excessive noise and improves communication, which reduces errors.
Improves general well-being and reduces mental health problems by reducing stress and fatigue caused by constant noise.
Types of hearing protection
We have the passive hearing protectors, which are those that depend on their design and physical characteristics to protect. At the same time, we have non-passive ones, which are PPEs that have electronic or mechanical systems that cause them to behave acoustically in one way or another. As passive we have:
Earplugs: They are small and light, they are inserted into the ear canal and block noise. Made of foam (compressed before insertion and expands inside), silicone (flexible, durable, and reusable), or wax (fits and seals the ear by adapting to it).
There are single-use and reusable versions with or without a cord for wearing them intermittently.
Earmuffs: Cover the entire ear and seal the surrounding area. Fitted with cushioned ear pads and are often interchangeable for comfort.
Some models allow you to adjust the amount of sound that is blocked, which is useful for situations requiring communication. In addition, most have an adjustable headband that ensures a firm, comfortable fit for extended wear.
Non-passive devices may include:
Communicative: With built-in microphones and speakers, they facilitate communication without removing protection, essential in environments with constant noise.
Electronic: Amplify safe sounds such as alerts or conversations and reduce hazardous noise. Enable communication and protection simultaneously.
Customised: Tailor-made for each worker, they offer a perfect seal and are comfortable for extended wear.
How to choose the right hearing protection?
• Assess the noise in the environment, determine its nature, intensity and decibel level and that the rating is appropriate.
• Consider each worker's personal preferences to encourage consistent use, whether earplugs, earmuffs or other devices.
• Choose the right type according to noise level and communication needs.
• Correct fit where earplugs should seal the ear canal well and earmuffs should completely cover the ears.
• Train and follow up on the correct use, condition and maintenance of the devices.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, testing and quality control.
How to maintain and store your hearing protection
Maintenance: Wash reusable earplugs with soap and water and dry thoroughly; discard foam earplugs after each use. Clean earmuffs with a damp cloth and make sure they are dry. Check them for wear or damage. Replace earmuff pads when worn and reusable earplugs when they lose their fit or are damaged.
Storage: Store in a clean, dry, temperature-controlled place. Use specific cases to keep the protectors clean and separated between new and used. Keep them in an easily accessible place and labelled for quick identification.
In addition, it is recommended to wash hands before handling them to avoid contamination. Train workers on the above and keep records of maintenance and replacement to ensure their continued good condition and effectiveness.
Conclusion on hearing protection
Hearing protection is vital to prevent hearing damage in noisy environments. Properly chosen and maintained devices, together with adequate training, ensure their effectiveness.
Complying with safety regulations and promoting prevention protects employee health, improves productivity and reduces the risk of accidents. Investing in hearing protection is essential for the safety and well-being of workers.
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