Overview

Hearing protectors are items of personal protective equipment (PPE) intended to reduce the harmful effects that sound and noise may have on the hearing. This standard gives recommendations for the selection, use, care and maintenance of hearing protectors. Tools to estimate the noise exposure level, when a certain hearing protector is used, are also provided. Hearing protectors are generally available in two main forms: earmuffs and earplugs. Both forms are available with additional features and functions. All have their advantages and disadvantages in terms of attenuation, comfort, ease of use, communication facilities and cost. In hearing conservation programmes noise hazard areas are identified and the personal noise exposure is assessed. Before a suitable hearing protector is considered, priority should be given to reducing noise at source and/or reducing the exposure time. If the use of a hearing protector is found necessary or advisable, choosing optimum devices is a complex task. The most important concern is for the protector to provide sufficient attenuation.

Document: references other documents

Responsible national committee

NA 075-02-01 AA - Hearing protection  

Responsible european committee

CEN/TC 159/WG 5 - Hearing protectors - Selection and use