Hearing Conservation Needs To

Start With Earmuffs

As manufacturers, you want to make sure that all your workers stay safe, comfortable and compliant. Your safety program covers a wide range of factors, including comfort, the level of noise workers are exposed to, equipment costs and even the level of training you'll be able to offer.

Regardless of your unique workplace conditions, earmuffs should be at the core of your safety program. Here are some key reasons why you should start with this fundamental piece of hearing conservation equipment:

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Cost-Efficient and Reusable

Earmuffs have several factors that make them both budget- and environmentally-friendly - they can be reused multiple times. If properly maintained, they can typically be worn up to three years.

Bigger than earplugs, they are harder to lose than other hearing protectors. With fewer items to replace, you'll also save money while protecting your employees' hearing.

Easy To Use

Earmuffs are also easy to use and fit employees with a wide variety of head and ear sizes. They're easy to pull off and on, and can quickly be adjusted to provide a snug and reliable fit.

Since earmuffs are so simple to use correctly, you eliminate most barriers to consistent use. Additionally, earmuffs allow workers to easily put protection on and take it off throughout the day as needed.

Hearing Protection You'll Want To Wear

Earmuffs aren't like the rigid, bulky equipment you used to see. Now they're made using lightweight, flexible materials that are comfortable to wear all day. And for workers who are outside frequently, they help protect from the cold and wind.

Earmuffs also come in a wide range of configurations so that they can accommodate the user's preference as well as any other personal protective equipment (PPE) they may be wearing. As an added bonus, they work with hearing aids and can be a comfortable alternative to earplugs for people who don't like them or have ear infections.

Improve Employee Satisfaction

Protective equipment is effective only when it's being used. So, by providing comfortable, easy-to-use earmuffs, you improve the likelihood your employees will wear it consistently. Additionally, because earmuffs are visible from a distance, it's easy to monitor that workers are wearing hearing protection.

Increase Overall Protection With Earplugs

For facilities with very high noise levels (e.g., 100 dBA), you can pair earmuffs with earplugs for increased protection. According to research, when earmuffs and earplugs are worn together, the combined noise reduction may be 5 to 10 dB higher than when either device is worn alone.

While dual protection isn't necessary for every hearing conservation program, it's important to ensure you're considering these options when earmuffs or earplugs alone can't provide the appropriate level of protection.

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