Tools To Learn

Hearing Protectors ­- Earmuffs

HP Earmuffs - Body: 

Sound Source: Absorbent Pads and Earmuffs

We work in a humid environment and use moisture-absorbing pads with our earmuffs. Do the absorbent pads affect the attenuation of the earmuff?
Learn More.

Sound Source: Radio Earmuffs & Noise Exposure

Some new earmuff models have built-in AM/FM radios. When using these earmuffs in industrial settings, doesn’t the radio just add more noise to damage hearing? What are the noise levels under the earcup when the radio is turned on?
Learn More.

Sound Source: Earmuffs & Safety Eyewear

In our facility, several noisy work areas require safety eyewear as well as hearing protection. Can earmuffs be worn over safety eyewear without affecting attenuation?
Learn More.

Sound Source: Air Flow Control™ Technology

Howard Leight® recently introduced Air Flow Control™ technology into its Leightning® and Thunder® series earmuffs. What is Air Flow Control?
Learn More.

Hearing Protectors - ­Earplugs

HP Earplugs - Body: 

Assessing Fit Effectiveness of Earplugs

The published Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is a laboratory estimate of a hearing protector’s effectiveness. But how well does that protector actually perform in the ear of a noise-exposed worker in the workplace?
Learn More.

Noise + Sound

Noise & Sound -Body: 

Sound Source: Extreme Frequency Noise

Do earplugs and earmuffs offer protection from audible noise in the extreme low and high frequencies?
Learn More.

Sound Source: Dual Protection

How much reduction in noise level can we expect from using both earplugs and earmuffs simultaneously?
Learn More.

Sound Source: A- and C-Weighted Noise Measurements

Hearing protector literature makes reference to A-weighted and C-weighted noise measurements. What are A-weightings and C-weightings?
Learn More.

Regulatory Practices

Regulatory - Body: 

Best Practices in Implementing a Hearing Conservation Program (Australia)

In Australia, the National Code of Practice for Noise Management and Protection of Hearing at Work [NOHSC:2009(2004)] provides practical guidance on how the national standard can be achieved. It requires that employees who have work areas with noise levels at or above 85dB(A) have, access to hearing protection on the job. Learn more.

Hearing Protectors: Australia Class System

Under the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1270:2002, the class system is a simple way to select a hearing protector appropriate to a noise exposure. Once the extent of the noise hazard has been determined by a noise level survey, the user simply applies this to a table like the one below to select an appropriate hearing protector. Learn more.

Inside the EPA's Proposed Change to the Noise Reduction Rating (US)

In an effort to bring the Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR) of hearing protection devices more in line with real-world usage, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will soon announce a proposed new regulation for the labeling of hearing protection devices (HPD).
Learn More.

Sound Source: Understanding Ratings

Hearing protector device packaging displays a series of rating numbers, including NRR, SNR and SLC80, What do these rating numbers mean?
Learn More.

Sound Source: OSHA Hearing Conservation Violations

In the Unite States, what parts of OSHA’s Hearing Conservation regulations are cited most frequently in compliance inspections?
Learn More.

Sound Source: Changes in EU Noise Directive

How do recent changes in the European Union Noise Directive affect workers, and what must employers do to implement it?
Learn More.

Sound Source: How SLC80 Is Calculated

When I compare the values in the attenuation charts with the SLC80 on the package, the SLC80 is much lower than the average attenuation. How is the SLC80 calculated?
Learn More.

Sound Source: How SNR Is Calculated

When I compare the values in the attenuation charts with the SNR on the package, the SNR is much lower than the average attenuation. How is the SNR calculated?
Learn More.