Hearing protectors are required to prevent noise induced hearing loss.Hearing protection devices reduce the noise energy reaching and causing damage to the inner ear. Ear muffs and earplugs are the most common types of PPE.

• Required in high noise areas,
• Long term exposure can result in permanent hearing loss or impairment
• Improperly worn or maintained PPE will not sufficiently reduce the noise levels
Noise level is measured in decibels (dB).
• Noise induced hearing loss can occur with exposures greater than 90 dBA
• A hearing conservation program becomes a requirement at exposures greater than 85dBA.
• Higher levels of noise exposure have shorter allowable exposure times.

• Rule of Thumb - if you cannot carry on a conversation in a normal tone of voice with someone at arms length, you are likely near 90dBA
• All hearing -protection devices should have a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of decibels they will reduce noise levels