Hearing Protection
In the busy world of manufacturing and construction, the constant noise of machinery and the loud clatter of tools can be overwhelming. Protecting your ears and hearing is essential to prevent long-term damage and maintain a healthy work environment. Not all hearing protection is created equal, and it is important to select the proper hearing protection to meet your unique needs.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states employers are required to have a Hearing Conservation Program in place when occupational noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average sound level (TWA) of 85 decibels measured on the A scale (slow response).
Hearing Conservation Program Elements:
- Employers are required to measure sound levels
- Provide free annual hearing exams
- Provide employee training
- Conduct evaluations of the hearing protectors in use
- Employers shall provide hearing protection to all employees exposed to an 8-hour TWA of 85 decibels or greater at no cost to the employees.
- Hearing protectors shall be replaced as necessary.
Research shows that workplaces with strong hearing conservation programs experience higher levels of worker satisfaction and productivity.
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
All hearing protection is rated by a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). The NRR describes the average sound level reduction provided by hearing protection. The higher the NRR, the higher noise reduction rating it provides. It does not take into account the loss of protection that occurs when the hearing protectors are not worn properly. No matter what style you choose, it is important that workers are wearing them properly and they fit.
How to properly insert soft foam earplugs
- Roll the earplug into a small, thin “snake” with your fingers. You can use one or both hands
- Pull the top of your ear up and back with your opposite hand to straighten out your ear canal. The rolled-up earplug should slide right in.
- Hold the ear plug with your finger. Count to 20 or 30 while waiting for the plug to expand and fill the ear canal. Your voice will sound muffled when the plug has made a good seal.
Check the fit when you’re all done. Most of the foam body of the earplug should be within the ear canal.
5 Best Earplugs for Manufacturing and Construction
Let’s talk about the 5 best ear plugs for manufacturing and construction environments.
The Howard Leight Max 1 and Max 30 Earplugs are the most used polyurethane foam earplug on the market. The foam like material is smooth for increased comfort and helps prevent dirt build-up. These bell-shaped foam earplugs allow for easy insertion and a better fit in most ear canals.
- NRR 33dB
- Available in corded and uncorded options.
- #Max 1 200 pairs/box
- #Max 30 100 pairs/box
The Moldex Pura-Fit Disposable Earplugs are made of extra-soft, low-pressure foam designed for comfort and fit. The tapered shape and non-irritating smooth surface allow for easy insertion and removal. The Pura-Fit disposable ear plugs are hygienically packaged in biodegradable pouches for a greener alternative.
- NRR 33dB
- Available in corded and uncorded options
- #6800 200 pairs/box
- #6900 100 pairs/box
The 3M E-A-R Push-Ins have firm fitting stems to help with easier insertion. Hold the fitting stems to push the soft foam ear tips into the ear. No need to touch the ear tips. This helps keep the earplug clean longer even if hands are dirty. One size fits most. These push-to-fit, corded foam earplugs are easy to use and comfortable. These are a great option for dirtier work environments and are meant to be reusable.
- NRR 28dB
- Available in corded and uncorded options
- #318-1003 200 pairs/box
The Howard Leight Laser Lite earplug offers excellent noise reduction in a low-pressure, high-vis foam disposable foam earplug. The formable foam expands to fit most ear canals, a contoured T-shape for easy insertion and wear. The Howard Leight Laser Lite earplugs are a great option if you want to see that employees are wearing earplugs from a distance. Workers love to use these because of the vibrant magenta and yellow colors.
- NRR 32dB
- Available in corded and uncorded options
- #LL-1 no cord 200 pairs/box
- #LL-30 corded 100 pairs/box
The Radians Detour disposable foam earplugs feature soft, slow-recovery foam for comfort and high noise reduction to protect your ears. They expand slowly for a low-pressure fit in virtually any size ear canal. Extremely easy to roll down and insert. The Detour earplugs are extremely soft, and conveniently packaged individually to keep each pair clean.
- NRR 32dB
- Available in corded and uncorded options
- #FP30 uncorded 200 pairs/box
- #FP31 corded 100 pairs/box
Key Takeaways
No matter what style or brand you chose, make sure to think about the workplace environment that you will be using them in. If your hands are dirty while you work, it would be best to use a push-in style earplug instead of a foam earplug. If you are working in extremely loud environments, its best to choice an earplug that has a higher NRR. Remember, employees must be trained on how to properly wear hearing protection. Everyone's ear canals are different, so it is important to provide multiple options for your employees.
Not sure which option to chose? Contact us today and we can help with your unique hearing protection needs.
Or shop the 5 best earplugs below!
Hearing Protection
In the busy world of manufacturing and construction, the constant noise of machinery and the loud clatter of tools can be overwhelming. Protecting your ears and hearing is essential to prevent long-term damage and maintain a healthy work environment. Not all hearing protection is created equal, and it is important to select the proper hearing protection to meet your unique needs.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states employers are required to have a Hearing Conservation Program in place when occupational noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average sound level (TWA) of 85 decibels measured on the A scale (slow response).
Hearing Conservation Program Elements:
- Employers are required to measure sound levels
- Provide free annual hearing exams
- Provide employee training
- Conduct evaluations of the hearing protectors in use
- Employers shall provide hearing protection to all employees exposed to an 8-hour TWA of 85 decibels or greater at no cost to the employees.
- Hearing protectors shall be replaced as necessary.
Research shows that workplaces with strong hearing conservation programs experience higher levels of worker satisfaction and productivity.
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
All hearing protection is rated by a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). The NRR describes the average sound level reduction provided by hearing protection. The higher the NRR, the higher noise reduction rating it provides. It does not take into account the loss of protection that occurs when the hearing protectors are not worn properly. No matter what style you choose, it is important that workers are wearing them properly and they fit.
How to properly insert soft foam earplugs
- Roll the earplug into a small, thin “snake” with your fingers. You can use one or both hands
- Pull the top of your ear up and back with your opposite hand to straighten out your ear canal. The rolled-up earplug should slide right in.
- Hold the ear plug with your finger. Count to 20 or 30 while waiting for the plug to expand and fill the ear canal. Your voice will sound muffled when the plug has made a good seal.
Check the fit when you’re all done. Most of the foam body of the earplug should be within the ear canal.
5 Best Earplugs for Manufacturing and Construction
Let’s talk about the 5 best ear plugs for manufacturing and construction environments.
The Howard Leight Max 1 and Max 30 Earplugs are the most used polyurethane foam earplug on the market. The foam like material is smooth for increased comfort and helps prevent dirt build-up. These bell-shaped foam earplugs allow for easy insertion and a better fit in most ear canals.
- NRR 33dB
- Available in corded and uncorded options.
- #Max 1 200 pairs/box
- #Max 30 100 pairs/box
The Moldex Pura-Fit Disposable Earplugs are made of extra-soft, low-pressure foam designed for comfort and fit. The tapered shape and non-irritating smooth surface allow for easy insertion and removal. The Pura-Fit disposable ear plugs are hygienically packaged in biodegradable pouches for a greener alternative.
- NRR 33dB
- Available in corded and uncorded options
- #6800 200 pairs/box
- #6900 100 pairs/box
The 3M E-A-R Push-Ins have firm fitting stems to help with easier insertion. Hold the fitting stems to push the soft foam ear tips into the ear. No need to touch the ear tips. This helps keep the earplug clean longer even if hands are dirty. One size fits most. These push-to-fit, corded foam earplugs are easy to use and comfortable. These are a great option for dirtier work environments and are meant to be reusable.
- NRR 28dB
- Available in corded and uncorded options
- #318-1003 200 pairs/box
The Howard Leight Laser Lite earplug offers excellent noise reduction in a low-pressure, high-vis foam disposable foam earplug. The formable foam expands to fit most ear canals, a contoured T-shape for easy insertion and wear. The Howard Leight Laser Lite earplugs are a great option if you want to see that employees are wearing earplugs from a distance. Workers love to use these because of the vibrant magenta and yellow colors.
- NRR 32dB
- Available in corded and uncorded options
- #LL-1 no cord 200 pairs/box
- #LL-30 corded 100 pairs/box
The Radians Detour disposable foam earplugs feature soft, slow-recovery foam for comfort and high noise reduction to protect your ears. They expand slowly for a low-pressure fit in virtually any size ear canal. Extremely easy to roll down and insert. The Detour earplugs are extremely soft, and conveniently packaged individually to keep each pair clean.
- NRR 32dB
- Available in corded and uncorded options
- #FP30 uncorded 200 pairs/box
- #FP31 corded 100 pairs/box
Key Takeaways
No matter what style or brand you chose, make sure to think about the workplace environment that you will be using them in. If your hands are dirty while you work, it would be best to use a push-in style earplug instead of a foam earplug. If you are working in extremely loud environments, its best to choice an earplug that has a higher NRR. Remember, employees must be trained on how to properly wear hearing protection. Everyone's ear canals are different, so it is important to provide multiple options for your employees.
Not sure which option to chose? Contact us today and we can help with your unique hearing protection needs.
Or shop the 5 best earplugs below!
