Hearing protection
Good hearing protection protects your ears from noise and subsequently from hearing damage and hearing loss. Discover a professional range of earplugs, ear muffs and earmuffs here. Hearing protection is PPE and complies with EN 352-1 and EN 352-2. Detectable earplugs are also available especially for food production.
Hearing protection
Hearing protectors protect your ears from damage caused by loud noises. Hearing protection dampens the noise and thus protects your hearing from acoustic trauma, hearing loss or prevents it from getting worse. Hearing protection is part of personal protective equipment (PPE), especially in the case of continuous noise, and is required by law. Hearing protection is essential, especially in the industrial sector, where machines or work equipment cause noise impact in everyday life. You basically have a choice between capsule hearing protection and earplugs. Read the most important facts about all types of professional hearing protection and the EU Noise Directive here.
Protect effectively: Noise protection and hearing protection according to EN 352
The requirements for effective hearing protection are regulated in the EN 352 standard. In the test, the damping effect must be confirmed first and primarily. There are various methods, such as the SNR test.
EN 352-1 specifies the requirements for capsule hearing protectors. The second part, EN 352-2, is relevant for earplugs. In principle, employers must equip their employees with suitable hearing protectors at sound levels above 80 dB (decibels). Constant noise levels above 80 dB can cause permanent hearing damage. This also includes, for example, workers in the light and utility industries, musicians and bar staff, as well as public service employees.
What does SNR mean?
SNR is the English short form for Single Number Rating and means "simple attenuation value". The attenuation value, meaning the reduction of the sound level, is given in dB (decibels). It describes the difference between the sound level in front of the ear and behind the hearing protector, which is in front of the eardrum.
Example: A noise level of 95 dB is present in a company. The attenuation value of the hearing protection is 25 dB. This means that 70 dB still reach the employee's eardrum (95 dB-25 dB=70 dB). 70 dB is not dangerous even for a period of 8 hours.
Earplugs or capsule hearing protection: What is the best hearing protection?
No matter whether "Mickey Mice" or plugs: Both types of hearing protection dampen noise equally well. However, there are some differences depending on the use and the personal feeling of the user:
Advantages of capsule hearing protection
- ideal for frequent putting on and taking off
- reusable
- comfortable because nothing sits directly in the ear
- especially recommended for small ear canals
Advantages earplugs
- cheaper than capsule hearing protection
- can be easily combined with goggles and other PPE such as head protection, respirators
- in case of permanent noise and long wearing times
- less sweating and ideal in hot working environments
- for extreme noise situations: wear together with capsule hearing protection for even more attenuation effect
Where to buy hearing protection?
Buy earplugs and capsule hearing protection from a PPE professional like Franz Mensch. Here you have a wide selection and get effective hearing protection that meets all legal requirements. Top sellers from the range:
- capsule hearing protector with soft ear pads
- classic foam earplugs
- earplugs with cord
- earplugs with earpiece
- detectable ear plugs especially for food production
- hygienic protective covers for capsule ear protectors
- storage boxes for hearing protection and other PPE
Which hearing protection for spectacle wearers?
Earplugs are ideal for people who wear glasses. Because the earplugs sit directly in the ear, the temples of the glasses and the hearing protection do not get in the way and can be worn comfortably together. Earplugs are also more practical in combination with safety glasses, respirators, head protection or even disposable caps.
Which hearing protection for food production?
Detectable earplugs are available especially for food areas and other very hygiene-sensitive productions. They are made of special, detectable plastic and are thus recognisable as foreign bodies for a detector machine. If the earplugs ever get into production, the risk of contamination can be prevented immediately. Furthermore, detectable earplugs can be perfectly combined with the prescribed hygiene clothing.