The Benefits Of Industrial Hearing Protection

It is estimated that every year there are thirty million people in the United States of America exposed to perilous noise levels on the job. However, hearing loss caused by excessive and dangerously high noise levels are one hundred percent preventable. Through the use of a successful application of controlled engineering and hearing conservation programs, hearing can be saved.

There are certain OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines set by their hearing conservation program that require certain protocol be followed by employers. Noise surveys must be conducted while baseline and annual hearing screenings are offered to employees. Other requirements set forth by OSHA include audiometric testing, offering hearing protection, training and mandatory record keeping.

To comply with these regulations, the demand for quality industrial hearing protection has grown. There are several types of protection available that is being used by countless factories, manufacturing plants and other industries that involve loud environments in the work place. The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is a scale that measures how successful certain hearing protection is as it actively filters out and diminishes noise levels. This measuring system is in compliance with standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A larger number coincides with a greater protection of ears and noise reduction.

Earmuffs are an excellent form of industrial hearing protection as they allow for full coverage of the ear. Many models are offered in NRR ratings of sixteen to thirty one. In many cases, these earmuffs come situated on adjustable headbands that allow for users of differently shaped and sized heads to wear not only comfortably, but properly as well. This ensures full protection from dangerously loud decibels. The band may be worn over the head, behind the neck or under the chin.

Banded ear plugs are yet another option of industrial hearing protection. These work similarly to earmuffs but instead of covering the entire ear, the plugs rest just outside of the ear canal. With a lower NRR rating, these ear plugs are well suited to supervisors and other employees who are in and out of noisy environments that are not exposed to extended periods of loud sound levels.

Earplugs are an ideal choice for many industries as they are not only a comfortable form of ear protection, but are cost effective as well. Rubber, vinyl or foam earplugs can be used to protect employees hearing just as successfully as earmuffs, as the plugs themselves nestle down inside of ear canals. This in turn forms a seal, keeping high decibel ranges out and hearing intact.


Alexander Sutton has been helping people discover the simplest ways to improve their quality of life. For more information, please visit Industrial Hearing Protection.