Workplace Sound Off: Safeguarding Hearing with Proper Protection

In certain industries like construction, maintenance, manufacturing and more, it is paramount for workers to safeguard their hearing with proper protection. While some hearing protection devices may make this practice an uncomfortable one, or interfere with the ability to maintain situational awareness, the truth is hearing loss is a very real threat in high-level noise environments. That's why it's necessary to opt for a hearing protection solution that meets such challenges head on.

When you need a device that ensures safe, effective hearing protection—all while enabling you to listen to quieter sounds and communicate productively, there's an ideal solution to get the job done.

Here's what you need to know.

Piercing Facts About Hazardous Noise

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that approximately 25 percent of all workers have been exposed to hazardous noise, with 14 percent—or 22 million people—exposed in the last year.

Whereas the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for occupational noise exposure is 85 decibels, certain types of workplace noise can reach well into the hundreds. For reference, a normal conversation hits a decibel level of 60.

NIOSH also indicates some of the following statistics on hearing loss across U.S. industries:

  • Approximately 12% of all workers have hearing difficulty.
  • About 8% of all workers have tinnitus.
  • About 16% of noise-exposed tested workers have a material hearing impairment (defined as hearing loss that impacts day-to-day activities).
  • 13% of noise-exposed tested workers have hearing impairment in both ears.

Even with the known dangers of hazardous noise, as well as the preventability of related hearing loss through the use of proper devices, 53 percent of noise-exposed workers still report not wearing hearing protection.

Resounding Innovation in Hearing Protection

For a solution that protects hearing while helping to improve situational awareness and communications in challenging environments, there's the 3M™ PELTOR™ EEP-100 Electronic Earplug kit. This is hearing protection for when it's noisy—that actually helps you to hear when it's not.

The 3M™ PELTOR™ Brand is known around the globe as a leader in innovative hearing protection and communication solutions. From manufacturing and transportation to elite tactical military teams and local law enforcement, industries rely on PELTOR innovations.

3M™ PELTOR™ EEP-100 Electronic Earplugs help protect against harmful noise while allowing ambient sounds to be heard at a level below 82dB. It increases the ability to communicate with nearby colleagues, as well as hear warning signals, approaching vehicles or sounds in machines and processes. The small and lightweight design helps improve the overall comfort and user experience, and makes it compatible with most headborne Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as helmets and face shields.

The kit includes a protective charging case and an assortment of eartips. The earpieces are rechargeable via a micro-USB jack on the charging case, and the case also provides easy and convenient storage of the earpieces when not being used.

Product Specs that Speak Volumes

For a more in-depth look at how 3M™ PELTOR™ EEP-100 Electronic Earplugs help alleviate the dangers of hazardous noise and meet the challenges of affected work environments, following are some valuable product specifications and design features that showcase its elevated performance, usability, comfort, convenience and compliance:

  • Hearing Protection: Replaceable communications eartip helps provide hearing protection in noisy environments. Multiple sizes and types designed to fit most ear canals.
  • Button: Intuitive one-button operation turns the unit on and off, and selects from three different volume settings.
  • Microphone Port: Helps minimize wind noise. Additional windscreen accessory also available.
  • Rechargeable: Charging contacts recharge the unit while in the case. Lithium-ion battery provides up to 16 hours of continuous operation.
  • Design: Corner radius designed to help soften contact zone and increase comfort.
  • Charging Case: Pocket-sized storage and charging container. Includes charging status indicator.
  • Clear Lid: Enables easy visibility of charging status when closed.
  • Sealing Ring: Rubber sealing ring helps protect earplugs in wet and dirty environments.
  • Micro B USB Charging Port: USB port enables the charging of the earplugs when plugged into a computer or wall socket (USB cable included).
  • Standards and Approvals: Waterproof Rating: Earpiece and Case (with lid and USB port securely closed) are IP54 compliant. Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): Tested in accordance with ANSI S3.19-1974.

To ensure effective hearing protection in environments with hazardous noise, the 3M™ PELTOR™ EEP-100 Electronic Earplug kit is built tough for the working professional. Its features make wearing proper hearing protection an easy, comfortable, safe practice for workers exposed to the kinds of hazardous noise that can pose a real threat to hearing.

For more detailed information about how this hearing protection solution can support your organization's hearing safety and situational awareness needs, visit our product page or reach out to our team of experts.