Open HSI menu
Subscribe Login

Home / Articles and Press Releases / Article / Hearing Protection

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 / Hearing Protection

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

Hearing Protection

By Simon Courtney

| Read Bio

Published: January 01st, 2012

Share this article

Most hearing conservation programmes are ineffective.

Most of the workers expected to use hearing protection either get no protection whatsoever or the performance of their PPE is inadequate. The implications of these findings published in the UK in a recent HSE report are far reaching. The common assumption that PPE is a reliable solution to hearing damage risk problems is simply untrue, leaving many personnel still at risk and many companies open to claims. Peter Wilson of the INVC summarises the results of the research and outlines the key factors required to make hearing conservation programmes as effective as possible.

The research – most hearing protection is inadequate

Despite the emphasis on noise control in the new noise regulations, hearing protection is often (wrongly) considered to be the first and only line of defence against the risks of hearing damage.

Noise problem? Issue PPE.

Problem solved. New research published in the UK by the HSE (RR720 2009), however, indicates that only 40% of PPE users get any protection whatsoever and that the real world performance of a substantial proportion of the remaining 60% is inadequate. Companies must become aware that issuing PPE is not a simple or reliable solution. The following is a summary of the main findings of the research based on both company visits and on laboratory testing.

No protection

• The use of PPE in 25% of the companies visited was so ineffective that is was likely to result in negligible or no protection for most users • Even in companies with generally effective hearing protector use, 14% of the workers did not wear protectors when and where it was required • Overall, 40% of the workers who should have been wearing protectors got no protection at all The main factors implicated in these results were: • Peer group pressure and group behaviour plus reluctance of supervisors to enforce wear • The need to hear traffic, radios and difficulties in communicating • Attitude – viewing PPE as an imposition without adequate consultation • Incorrect fitting (e.g. foam plugs) • Use of PPE as the sole control measure without a comprehensive noise control programme • Inadequate protector provision

Thinking beyond PPE

Companies must become aware that issuing PPE is not a simple or reliable solution. Inadequate protection • Less than 50% of companies had selected PPE based on the attenuation actually required; consequently, about half of these had specified PPE that over-protected • There was ignorance of the need to provide a choice of PPE in a number of cases Adequate protection • Hearing protection was effective for most workers in the 40% of companies who used PPE within a comprehensive noise control programme (noise control measures and ‘Buy Quiet’ policy) • PPE was most effective in companies who combined training with appropriate supervision and employee cooperation

Unnecessary protection

• Making whole buildings or sites hearing protection zones when only limited areas are noisy • Requiring the use of PPE everywhere rather than assessing the actual risk

PPE field performance issues

Earmuffs – The standard HSE recommendation has been to de-rate the manufacturers’ attenuation data by 4dB to account for ‘real world’ performance. The laboratory testing, however, showed an additional 6dB loss after a simulated month of normal use, primarily caused by stretching of the headband which is invisible to the user. This means that nearly a third of the earmuff users seen would have been under-protected. Damage to earmuff seals is more obvious, but removing an eighth of the seal showed a drop in attenuation of only 2dB. The effectiveness of the seal is also compromised by glasses, goggles and dust masks. The less bulky versions reduce the attenuation by around 2dB, the bulkier versions by up to 10dB. Moreover, wearing earmuffs over clothing (e.g. hoods in cold weather), reduced the performance by 14 – 21dB.

Earplugs – Proper fitting is the key factor. Just over 50% of the compressed foam earplug users seen had not inserted the plugs properly and most of them were ignorant of the correct fitting procedure. Simulated tests showed that the attenuation could fall to as low as 9dB if not properly fitted. Users generally preferred push-in plugs (foam or flange), as they are easier to fit and were usually inserted deeper into the ear canal. Banded ear canal caps gave negligible protection under band pressure – they have to be inserted into the ear canal entrance. While custom moulded earplugs were generally considered by companies and users to be the best available, not all users found them comfortable. While not included in the laboratory testing for the report, previously published information has indicated that the attenuation can fall by up to 6dB over the first hour of use due to temperature effects changing the shape of the ear canal.

Hearing conservation programme – best practice

The following is a pragmatic guide to the key features that should be included in order to minimise the risks to staff and potential future claims.

1 Noise control programme The HSE research showed that hearing protection was most effective in those companies where it was implemented as part of a comprehensive noise control programme. This is largely due to the cultural and management attitude engendered by the process – an unwillingness simply to try to offload responsibility (in the form of PPE) onto the workforce. In addition, PPE cannot be used for long term risk management unless you can prove that noise control is not practical. Consequently, companies must assess the costs and benefits associated with implementing an effective control programme based on the best of current technology. This requires a noise control audit. This is an engineering evaluation of the noise control options, costs and benefits carried out either as part of a Noise Management Assessment, or as an add-on to an existing assessment where the competent person does not possess the required specialist engineering expertise. In many cases, low cost engineering noise control techniques are available that can provide the bonus of a potential pay-back due to reduced costs. PPE cannot be used for long term risk management unless you can prove that noise control is not practical. Despite the regulatory requirement to reduce noise levels as far as reasonably practical, the following are the three key target noise levels which trigger particular benefits: <95dB(A) – PPE programmes can be made to work reliably <85dB(A) – PPE becomes only advisory; no Health Surveillance; reduced training and management <80dB(A) – complete deregulation Where PPE can be made advisory or unnecessary, there are substantial direct and indirect cost savings. Depending on the type of protection used and the conditions, typical cost savings on PPE can be £30 – £200 per head, per annum, with additional savings relating to improved communications, reduced management resources and absenteeism. Moreover, a simple, well policed ‘Buy Quiet’ purchasing policy is probably the most cost effective long term noise control measure that a company can take. It is important, however, that you do not allow your suppliers to spend your money on control measures that are not best practice. Do not allow your suppliers to spend your money on control measures that are not best practice.

2 Management practices The findings in the HSE report highlight a few key management practices that should be in place in order to make hearing conservation programmes as effective as practical. These are:

• Assessment – report quality is a big issue; most reports are not of ‘merchantable’ quality. You must be able to identify personnel at risk and the assessment must include a specific programme of action

• Hearing conservation programmes should be implemented as part of a comprehensive noise control and management programme and efforts should be focused on higher risk areas and activities

• Do not issue edicts making whole sites or departments mandatory hearing protection zones when a significant proportion of the workforce is not at risk. This is poor management and can also be counter-productive, as workers tend not to take the risks seriously, knowing that there is no risk in some of the areas where they are required to wear PPE

• Where health surveillance (audiometry) is required, do not skimp on the process. Allow for a little more time over and above the minimum to discuss hearing damage, PPE selection and fitting. This is an opportunity for one-on-one education and motivation

• Managers and supervisors must set an example and companies must have a procedure in place to police the use of PPE – including enforcement and disciplinary procedures

3 Training and motivation Personal motivation, company culture and supervision are key factors in operating a successful programme. Motivation is particularly important for remote workers where direct supervision is not practical. Much education on the why and how of PPE has little effect as it is dull and lacks impact. The best approach is to use brief, graphic material that workers will remember and to apply this to home life situations (such as DIY or noisy hobbies) to avoid accusations of ‘imposition’. Link this to the free issue of earplugs for home use plus other positive incentives. Supervisors and managers must also be trained in their responsibilities. Training should also be given in correct use and communication while wearing PPE. Users will often remove a protector and lean close in order to hear speech. This is unnecessary: when you don protectors, you hear your own voice more clearly and tend to speak too quietly. If you shout at the same volume as you would while not wearing PPE, other people will be able to hear your speech (and warning signals) better with PPE than without in high noise areas.

4 Choice of protectors Offering a choice of suitable protectors in noise hazard areas is a mandatory requirement. Suitability is based on three criteria: field attenuation of the protectors; physical suitability for the circumstances; comfort or wear rate.

Attenuation

There are a number of broad PPE categories based on area noise levels as follows:

• 80-85 – Hearing protection advised. Low performance protectors must be available – beware of over-protection

• 85-95 – Hearing protection mandatory. Most protectors from reputable suppliers provide adequate or over-protection

• 95-105 – High risk. Only high quality protectors, very carefully controlled and used, can provide sufficient protection

• 105 plus – Very high risk. Adequate protection cannot be guaranteed without very stringent controls and checks

Use the UK HSE website calculator to estimate the protection provided by PPE at www.hse.gov.uk/noise/calculator.htm. Suitability is based on a calculated effective noise level inside the PPE with a rating of ‘good’ or ‘acceptable’ as shown in the following table. Note that you should make an allowance for de-rating the protector performance according to the new research and the wear-rate trade-off.

Physical Suitability

The following are the main physical factors that govern the selection of suitable PPE: safety glasses, hard hats, other safety equipment, clothing, earrings,turbans, hairstyle, temperature, dust, hygiene, confined spaces, fitting difficulties (plugs) and physical factors (size of ears, skin disorders). All of these will factor into your choice of suitable ear protection.

Wear rate

If you consistently achieved a 99% PPE wear rate in noise hazard areas, you would feel that you had an effective hearing conservation programme in operation. At a 99% wear rate, however, (doffing protectors for a cumulative total of only five minutes over an eight hour shift), the maximum real-world attenuation is approximately 17dB for earmuffs and 10dB for earplugs as shown in the graphic. If staff only wear PPE for seven out of eight hours, then protection is limited to around 7dB for earplugs and 9dB for earmuffs – no matter what the theoretical performance.

Consequently, comfort, motivation and supervision are the paramount factors that determine the wear rate and therefore the protection that is achieved in practice. A very effective, but often overlooked, option to improve the performance of hearing conservation programmes is to encourage the use of different protectors at different times during the day. Reference: HSE Research Report RR720; Real World use and performance of hearing protection. www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr720.htm

Published: 01st Jan 2012 in Health and Safety International

Explore hearing protection

Share this article

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Simon Courtney

Simon Courtney is a footwear technologist at SATRA Technology. He has a wide knowledge of testing and supports customers with technical reports, advice and in the preparation of company-own specifications.

Connect with Simon Courtney

Visit Website

POPULAR POSTS BY Simon Courtney

Istock 1161257483 - hsi -

Article

Too Hot to Handle

Heat and flame protective clothing thumbnail

Press Release

Heat and Flame Protective Clothing

Yt5v9844 - hsi -

Article

Heat and Flame Protective Clothing

Press Release

Hearing Protection

Istock 1197027997 copy - hsi -

Article

Gloves Against Mechanical Risks

- hsi -

Article

Proposed Changes to EN 388

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 ·
20h

Why should you sign up for our gas detection summit?

Don't miss out, sign up now!
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7316793994535/WN_m7lbVevnQRiAHDK6KkxX-g

#hsimagazine #GasDetectionSummit #summit #gasdetection #gassafety #speakerlaunch

Reply on Twitter 1641727038980751361 Retweet on Twitter 1641727038980751361 Like on Twitter 1641727038980751361 Twitter 1641727038980751361

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