Hearing Protection Devices

When engineering controls (Reduction of noise at source: acoustical baffles, fan blade design; enclosure of the noise source; enclosure of workers; acoustical treatment of the room; separating the workers from the noise source; combinations) and administrative controls (education & training; work rest cycles; infrequent work tasks) cannot eliminate the noise hazard, hearing protection devices will be required.  

These devices provide an additional means of reducing worker noise exposures to  acceptable levels.  Hearing protection in the form of ear plugs and / or ear muffs are examples of hearing protection devices that can help serve to minimize noise  exposures.  

Hearing protection devices are provided to workers exposed to excess noise  at no charge.  There are three types of hearing protectors available:

• ear muffs  - consisting of a headband and ear cup with a soft outer ring or cushion fitting tightly against the ear or sides of the head around the ear; 
• disposable/reusable ear plugs - worn in the external ear canal or in the entrance to the external ear canal. 
• molded hearing protection - mold of the ear is taken and the ear plugs are custom made to the individual. These types of hearing protection are typically made for physical education, music and industrial arts teachers as well as divisional trades staff. 

The type of hearing protection selected depends on the noise exposure levels. There are three classes of hearing protectors:

• Class A — used when noise exposure levels are between 95 dBA (Lex) and 105 dBA (Lex). Generally, hearing protectors with a noise reduction rating (NRR) of 24 will fit into this category. The noise reduction rating lists the amount of decibels that the protectors will reduce the noise levels.
• Class B — used when noise levels are between 90 dBA (Lex) and 95 dBA (Lex). Generally, hearing protectors with NRR between 17 and 24 will fit into this category.
• Class C — used when noise levels are less than 90 dBA (Lex). Generally, hearing protectors with NRR of less than 17 will fit into this category. At noise levels above 105 dBA (Lex), using ear plugs and ear muffs together is recommended.

Select and fit hearing protectors carefully to make sure they give effective protection and cause minimum discomfort to the user. Repair or replace any worn out seals promptly. Workers should replace disposable ear plugs every day and clean reusable ones regularly.

Hearing protectors must be worn — and worn correctly — at all times when working in harmful noise environments. Properly selected and worn protectors can provide effective protection from high exposures.

If your job requires you to work around loud noises and you would like a noise assessment conducted at your worksite, please contact the divisional Safety Officer at 204.488.1767 Ext. 1292.