Safety equipment
Hearing protection
Hearing protection aims to prevent permanent hearing loss in workers exposed to continuous noise. Products are classified by noise reduction value under EN 352, and selection follows the measured noise level.
- Main group
- Safety equipment
- Product types
- 7
- Standards
- EN 352
- Industries
- 2
Over-protection is a problem too: an unnecessarily high reduction value stops the wearer hearing warning signals and conversation. The right choice brings exposure into the safe range without isolating the wearer.
How the protection is used decides the product: defenders are practical where they are taken on and off often, plugs are more comfortable in hot, confined spaces. Where hard hats are worn, helmet-mounted models are preferred.
Hearing protection is chosen by measuring the noise, not by estimating it. The attenuation figure is subtracted from the measured level to check the result lands in a safe but not over-protected range; over-protection is a real problem because it isolates the worker from warning sounds and speech.
Earplugs and earmuffs suit different patterns of work. Plugs are comfortable for continuous wear in heat and under a helmet; muffs are better where protection goes on and off, since they are quick to fit correctly. In very high noise the two are used together.
Products in this group
- Selection by noise reduction value
- Helmet-mounted ear defenders
- Corded, foam and washable plug options
- Hygiene pads and spare parts supply
- Box arrangements for bulk distribution
Related standards
1 Standard
EN 352
Hearing protectors
Products in this group
07- Protective ear defenders
- Helmet-mounted ear defenders
- Ear plugs
- Corded ear plugs
- Foam ear plugs
- Washable ear plugs
- Ear defender hygiene pads
Industries we serve
Related product groups
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Related guides
All guides
What is PPE? PPE categories I, II and III, CE marking and a PPE list by body part
The legal definition of PPE, the three EU risk categories, how to read CE marking and the declaration of conformity, and a PPE list with key standards.
Read the guide
Hard hat colours and what they mean, plus EN 397 markings, date stamps, service life and fit
Why helmet colour is a site rule, the Build UK scheme and an example table, what changed in EN 397:2025, the date clock, replacement criteria and fit.
Read the guide
Frequently asked questions
Defenders or plugs — which is more effective?
Effectiveness depends as much on correct use as on the reduction value. A badly inserted plug gives no protection despite a high rating. Defenders suit work with frequent removal; correctly fitted plugs suit long exposure.
How much attenuation do earplugs really give?
Considerably less than the laboratory figure if they are inserted incorrectly. Fit training makes a larger difference to real protection than choosing a product with a higher rating.
Can earmuffs be worn with a helmet?
Yes, using helmet-mounted muffs that attach to the shell slots. Standard headband muffs sit badly under a helmet and lose their seal.
Is higher attenuation always better?
No. Over-protection isolates the worker from warning sounds and speech. Attenuation is subtracted from the measured level to land in a safe but not excessive range.
Can earplugs harm the ear?
Not when fitted correctly and kept clean. Plugs inserted with dirty hands, or disposable plugs used again and again, create an infection risk; washable models need regular cleaning.
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