Open HSI menu
Subscribe Login

Home / Articles and Press Releases / Article / EN 352: Ear Plugs, Ear Muffs

CATEGORIES

  • Latest Issue
  • Above The Neck Protection
  • Chemical Protection
  • Confined Space
  • Construction
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Energy, Oil and Mining Industries
  • Eye Protection
  • Fall Protection
  • Gas Detection
  • Hand Protection
  • Hazardous and Explosive Atmospheres
  • Health and Safety Awareness
  • Hearing Protection
  • Heat and Flame
  • Lighting and ATEX
  • Noise Monitoring
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Respiratory Protection
  • Safety Footwear
  • Safety Technology
  • Safety Training
  • Slips, Trips and Falls
  • Wellbeing at Work
  • Working at Height
  • Working Rights

MORE

  • Press Releases
  • Events
  • Videos
  • Webinars
  • Magazines

COMPANY

  • About
  • Advertising
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
Open HSI menu
Subscribe

Home / Articles and Press Releases / Article / EN 352: Ear Plugs, Ear Muffs

CATEGORIES

  • Latest Issue
  • Above The Neck Protection
  • Chemical Protection
  • Confined Space
  • Construction
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Energy, Oil and Mining Industries
  • Eye Protection
  • Fall Protection
  • Gas Detection
  • Hand Protection
  • Hazardous and Explosive Atmospheres
  • Health and Safety Awareness
  • Hearing Protection
  • Heat and Flame
  • Lighting and ATEX
  • Noise Monitoring
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Respiratory Protection
  • Safety Footwear
  • Safety Technology
  • Safety Training
  • Slips, Trips and Falls
  • Wellbeing at Work
  • Working at Height
  • Working Rights

MORE

  • Press Releases
  • Events
  • Videos
  • Webinars
  • Magazines

COMPANY

  • About
  • Advertising
  • Newsletter
  • Contact

CATEGORIES

  • Article
  • Press Release
  • Above The Neck Protection
  • Chemical Protection
  • Confined Space
  • Construction
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Energy, Oil and Mining Industries
  • Eye Protection
  • Fall Protection
  • Gas Detection
  • Hand Protection
  • Hazardous and Explosive Atmospheres
  • Health and Safety Awareness
  • Hearing Protection
  • Heat and Flame
  • Lighting and ATEX
  • Noise Monitoring
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Respiratory Protection
  • Safety Footwear
  • Safety Technology
  • Safety Training
  • Slips, Trips and Falls
  • Wellbeing at Work
  • White Papers
  • Working at Height
  • Working Rights

Article

EN 352: Ear Plugs, Ear Muffs

By Arto Makinen

| Read Bio

Published: October 07th, 2007

Share this article

Standards and testing methods

European EN 352 standards define testing methods for hearing protectors which satisfy the basic requirements of European legislation based on the New Approach. The basic requirements for the design, manufacture and use of hearing protectors against the harmful effects of noise are in Directive 89/686/EEC on Personal Protective Equipment of 21 December 1989. Directive 2003/10/EEC of 6 February 2003 defines the minimum health and safety requirements for workers regarding noise exposure.

The existence of product and testing standards is a prerequisite for the effective implementation of the directive. There was a need to develop several standards in a very short time period and the basic standards for hearing protectors have already been revised once.

The first three parts of EN 352 standards are the basic parts and they define passive performance requirements for hearing protectors. Parts other than 1, 2, and 3 incorporate the safety requirements and associated test procedures of additional functions manufactured into hearing protectors. Today additional functions include electronic devices in hearing protectors.

EN 352 standard series for hearing protectors

EN 352-1, -2, and -3 are the basic parts of EN 352 standard of the hearing protectors. Testing and safety requirements for ear-muffs are in EN 352-1 and those for earplugs are described in EN 352-2. Testing methods for ear-muffs attached to industrial safety helmets are covered in EN 352-3.

The instructions of the testing methods are not directly described in these three basic parts but instead the reader of the parts is referred to another standard; EN 13819 deals with the testing methods common to all types of hearing protectors covered by EN 352 series and is in two parts; Part 1: Physical test methods, and Part 2: Acoustic test methods. An associated standard EN 458 is often cited in EN 352 standards and it covers selection, use, care and maintenance of hearing protectors.

The limits of the test results from the measurements according to those described in EN 13819 are given in the basic parts of EN 352. For instance, headband force must not be too strong; according to EN 352-1 the headband force of ear-muff shall not be more than 14 N and cites to test methods in EN 13819-1 which tells the test dimensions and gives a number for the amount of specimens to test. EN 13819-1 also suggests a mounting device for the measurement of the head band force. Another example would be the minimum sound attenuation whose requirements at different frequencies are in EN 352-1, 2 and 3 parts but whose testing method is described in EN 13819-2.

All terms and definitions involved to hearing protectors, like “cup”, “cushion”, “liner” etc., are in parts EN 352-1, -2, and -3. Also it defines all related passive characteristics, non-electronically working functions, e.g., minimum sound attenuation (see Figure 1.). Moreover, the requirements for size, materials and constructions of hearing protectors are given in these three parts of EN 352.

A tabular guide to EN 352

Some important hearing protector standards
EN 352-1:2002 Hearing ProtectorsGeneral requirementsEar-muffs
EN 352-2:2002 Hearing ProtectorsGeneral requirementsEar-plugs
EN 352-3:2002 Hearing ProtectorsEar-muffs attached to an industrial safety helmetGeneral requirements
EN 352-4:2001 Hearing ProtectorsSafety requirements and testingPart 4: Level-dependent ear-muffs
EN 352-5:2002 Hearing ProtectorsSafety requirements and testingPart 5: Active noise reduction ear-muffs
EN 352-6:2002 Hearing ProtectorsSafety requirements and testingPart 6: Ear-muffs with electrical audio input
EN 352-7:2002, Hearing protectorsSafety requirements and testingPart 7: Level¬dependent ear-plugs
prEN 352-11, Hearing ProtectorsSafety requirements and testingPart 11: Two -way communication ear-muffs
EN 458:2004, Hearing ProtectorsRecommendations for selection, use, care and maintenanceGuidance document
EN 13819-1:2002 Hearing ProtectorsTestingPart 1: Physical test methods
EN 13819-2:2002 Hearing ProtectorsTestingPart 2: Acoustic test methods

Generally speaking, parts 1, 2 and 3 of EN 352 define hearing protectors and tell the performance requirement, whilst parts of EN 13819 describe how the hearing protectors must be tested in order to satisfy the requirements of the basic parts of EN 352 standard.

From Part 4 onwards the EN 352 standard series deals with safety and testing methods of additional functions build into a hearing protector. One example of additional function incorporated to a hearing protector is the so-called level-dependent function of hearing protectors. For instance, a level-dependent ear-muff is designed to provide restoration of external sounds, while providing attenuation of sound at high sound pressure levels. The safety requirements and associated test procedures for the level-dependent ear-muffs are contained in EN 352-4.

Moreover, there already exists additional functions in hearing protectors and respective standardised testing methods at least for active noise reduction in EN 352-5, hearing protectors with audio communications in EN 352-6 and for level-dependent ear-plugs that shall to be tested according to EN 352-7.

The number of additional functions is clearly increasing due to today’s development of embedded systems in electronics which is reflected to hearing protector technology. The number of EN 352 parts is also increasing and new standards are needed in order to ensure the safety of hearing protectors. In fact, there are several unfinished parts of EN 352 series and Part 7 is not the last one of EN 352 series.

EN standards

Adopted EN standards have served as a reference for CE certification of hundreds of hearing protectors. These are under constant evaluation and a review of standards is made at least every five years. Due to limited resources, the validation of the test methods, especially for additional functions (electronic hearing protectors), is still lacking. There is also limited co-operation between test laboratories creating a problem in further refining existing standards or preparing new ones for new types of hearing protectors. Therefore, it is important to continue the validation of the standardised testing methods and their requirements. This needs good collaboration and research between test laboratories and research institutes.

In Europe, CEN/TC 159 (European Committee for Standardization, Technical Committee 159, Hearing Protectors) is responsible for the standardisation for hearing protectors but the acoustical test methods are set out by ISO/TC 43/SC1 (International Organisation for Standardisation, Technical Committee 43, Acoustics, Sub-Committee 1, Noise).

Real world attenuation

Despite the fact that the wearer information of a hearing protector gives its detailed characteristics, the optimal protection is not always achieved. One reason for this is that the protectors were selected incorrectly for the noise environment: protectors may have ineffective sound attenuation of the noise or they may be over-protective. Over-protection is imminent when, e.g., warning signals are not heard which, on the other hand, raises other safety hazards, which unfortunately can be more serious than those for hearing.

In fact recent studies have shown that the laboratory made test results over estimate the real life protection of hearing protectors

Hearing protectors may also feel unpleasant and, consequently, the user easily removes the protectors when danger from noise is not over. Protectors are subject to ageing and their protective effect decreases in time. Harmful noise easily leaks inside ear-muffs whose cushions are broken and perished due to ageing. In fact recent studies have shown that the laboratory made test results over estimate the real life protection of hearing protectors (See, e.g., Starck et al., 2002; Toppila et al., 2005).

As much as warning signals are important also communication is. Essential work related communications with emphasize on speech intelligibly are important together with the easiness of the use of the protector. For example, many present-day people carry cell phones and are reachable during noisy working day. Luckily there are some additional (electronic) functions in today’s ear-muffs for answering the telephone call without removing the hearing protectors. These additional functions transfer communication and other signals via, e.g., Bluetooth or auxiliary input connection. It is worth mentioning in this context that these two connections are tested according to standards prEN 352-11 and EN 352-6, respectively. Earlier when these devices were not implemented to hearing protectors the real world attenuation must really have suffered a decline when compared to the results measured in laboratories.

Good selection of hearing protector

For a good selection of hearing protector the standard EN 458 is useful with the wearer information of a particular hearing protector. As already mentioned, standard EN 458 is a guiding document for selection, use, care and maintenance of hearing protectors. Currently, the standard is in revision. As one very important tool for modern selection of hearing protector the revised EN 458 will contain a flow chart for selection according to noise environmental situation. This new user friendly approach makes the choosing of hearing protector much easier and brings more attention to the electronic devices (additional functions) of hearing protectors

Finally

The basic EN 352-1, -2, -3 standards will stay necessary and fortunately the additional electronic functions (sound restoration, active noise reduction, two-way communication…) are not confusing the issue but helping the selection of hearing protectors for a specific noise environment with revised EN 458.

References

Directive 89/686/EEC of 21 December 1989 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to personal protective equipment, Official Journal L 399, 30/12/1989

Directive 2003/10/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 February 2003 on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (noise)

Starck J, Toppila E, Laitinen H, Suvorov G, Haritonov V, Grishina T. The attenuation of hearing protectors against high-level industrial impulse noise; comparison of predicted and in situ results. Applied Acoustics 2002;63:1-8.

Toppila E, Pyykkö I, Starck J, The use of hearing protectors among forest, shipyard and paper mill workers in Finland – a longitudinal study. Noise and Health, 2005;7(26):3-9.

For more information on Hearing Protection visit https://ose.directory/topics/hearing-protection

Published: 10th July 2007 in Health and Safety International

Share this article

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Arto Makinen

Connect with Arto Makinen

POPULAR POSTS BY Arto Makinen

Ear muffs copy 1 - hsi -

Article

EN 352: Ear Plugs, Ear Muffs

Get email updates

Sign up for the HSI newsletter

Keep up-to-date through the power of email with Europe's largest audited safety magazine - delivering the latest news and products to satisfy all your occupational safety needs.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

FEATURED ARTICLES

Article

 Thameslink Traffic Management Programme

Press Release

‘Working At Height’ Remains Biggest Danger

Press Release

“Uncertainty and Ignorance” Risks More Asbestos Deaths

Advertisement

SOCIAL MEDIA

HSI on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/HSIMagazine/

Advertisement

SOCIAL MEDIA

HSI on Twitter

hsimagazine HSI Magazine @hsimagazine ·
25 Jan

Global gas sensing leader @ionscience has today formally announced the addition of a high-specification Particulate Matter (PM) sensor to its portfolio.

Read all about this exciting addition!
https://www.hsimagazine.com/press-release/worlds-best-performing-particulate-matter-pm-sensor-now-available-from-ion-science-ltd/

#hsimagazine #ionscience #particulatematter

Reply on Twitter 1618280038557970432 Retweet on Twitter 1618280038557970432 Like on Twitter 1618280038557970432 Twitter 1618280038557970432

Advertisement

SUBSCRIBE

Stay up to date with our newsletter

    • Keep up-to-date with Europe’s largest audited safety magazine

 

    • Delivering the latest news and products to satisfy all your occupational safety needs

 

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Subscribe

SUBSCRIBE TO HSI MAGAZINE

5 reasons to subscribe to our digital and print package

  • Stay up to date from anywhere in the world, with instant access to the latest issue straight from your phone, tablet or laptop.
  • Trust that you’re getting the best content from our range of internationally accredited authors.
  • Get full access to our archives and see how occupational safety has evolved with us over the years.
  • Enjoy our monthly newsletter curated with up-to-the-minute news and a selection of editor’s top picks.
  • Hot off the press and straight to your door – look forward to your own glossy copy of HSI, delivered five times a year
Subscribe View Subscription levels

STAY SAFE & INFORMED

Subscribe to the best health & safety articles, news, products and regulations

Find out more

Stay up to date with our newsletter

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

ABOUT

  • About HSI International
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us

YOUR ACCOUNT

Sign In Register Account Subscribe to HSI

RESOURCES

Request Media Pack

CONNECT

ACCREDITATIONS

Copyright Bay Publishing 2023. All Rights reserved.

Designed & Built by:
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT