What type of hearing protection do you need?
What type of hearing protection do you need?
Noise-related deafness is occupational disease number 1. Noise over 85 dB(A) can damage the hearing. Once hearing damage has occurred, it often cannot be reversed. This can be prevented by simply wearing the right hearing protection. How do you choose the right hearing protection? Choosing the right hearing protection seems easy. In practice, it is often not. 40% of employees wear the wrong type of PPE. Choosing the right type of hearing protection and using it correctly is essential in order to provide the necessary protection.
3M Selection Tool for Hearing Protection
3M has a great tool to help you make the right choice. Click HERE for this selection tool.
Below are a number of products highlighted from different categories. We make a distinction between traditional hearing protection and advanced hearing protection (such as ambient, radio or communication hoods).
Traditional hearing protection
Coil earplugs
3M E-A-R Classis earplug. Item 3.13.030.00
Suitable for long wearing periods in a warm and clean environment.
- Slowly expanding foam
Takes on the shape of the ear canal
Maintenance-free and disposable
Small and easy to take with you
Average attenuation value of SNR 28 dB(A)
Re-usable earplugs
3M E-A-R Flexible Fit. Item 3.13.166.00
Reusable, durable, hygienic and 1 size fits most.
- Hygienic to insert because the soft foam tip does not need to be kneaded
Available with or without cord
Durable alternative, can be used for up to 2 weeks
Average attenuation value to SNR 35 dB(A)
Hearing brackets
3M 1310 hearing aid. Item 3.29.310.00
Quick and easy to put on and take off during interrupted use.
- Easy to insert, closes off ear canal
- Lightweight
- Can be hung around the neck when resting
- Average attenuation SNR 25 dB(A)
Hearing protection
3M Peltor X4A ear muff with headband. Item 3.19.380.00
One size fits all, available in helmet, head and neck versions.
- Easy to put on correctly
- Can be used with minor ear infections
- Attenuation independent of person
- Wide range of attenuation values
- Also available with environmental awareness function, radio/ bluetooth function, or communication function.
Advanced hearing protection
Radio function
3M Peltor DAB+ FM Radio ear muff with headband. Item 3.20.317.00
- Hearing protection with headband
- Built-in DAB+ and FM radio
- Average attenuation SNR 31 dB(A)
Environmental awareness
3M Peltor WS Alert XPI Headset. Item 3.20.327.00
- Protection against harmful noise levels
- Hands-free calling in noisy environments
- Compatible with iOS and Android using the 3M™ Connected Equipment app
- Bluetooth® Multi-Point technology for connection to up to two devices
3M Peltor Protac III Slim. Item 3.20.420.00
- Digital level-dependent function can be adjusted in five volume steps for the hearing of ambient noise to ensure
warning signals, alarms and other noises coming from machines and processes are clearly audible - Average attenuation value SNR 26 dB(A)
Communication ear muff
3M Peltor LiteCom PMR446 headband MT53A44E. Item 3.20.407.01
- Hearing protector with integrated analogue two-way radio communication
- 8 channels in the PMR446 frequency range, 38 subchannels
- Microphone with ambient noise reduction and voice-activated transmission for hands-free use
Correct use and maintenance
Once you have chosen the right PPE, it is also important to wear it correctly. Therefore, teach yourself or your employees how to use the protection. Finally, maintenance plays a major role in lasting protection. For maximum performance, protection and comfort, we recommend regular checks and timely replacement of parts when needed.
Want to know more about the right choice of hearing protection?
PPE will only provide the necessary protection if it is used correctly at all times. Therefore, first make sure that you are well protected by making the right PPE choice. Do you have doubts about your choice or would you like more information? Do not hesitate to contact us. You can do this by contacting us at T. +31 (0)181 47 50 00.We will be happy to advise you on which type of hearing protection is suitable for your work situation, so that you can carry out your activities safely.
*Bron: 3M.com
