The Importance of Hearing Protection in the Workplace

Protecting your hearing in the workplace is non-negotiable. Especially in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture, the increased exposure to loud sounds can often be disregarded as the effects aren’t felt immediately.

Research demonstrates that exposure to workplace noise is a significant, independent predictor of hearing loss over 10 years.

Knowing this, workers in industries such as agriculture or construction need to pay attention to any hearing protection guidelines their employers give them and make use of any hearing protection equipment they are provided with.

Under UK workplace safety regulations, employers must assess and control risks associated with noise exposure. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 are the primary legislation governing workplace noise exposure. These regulations, enacted under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, aim to protect employees from risks to their health arising from exposure to noise at work.

Why is it Important to Measure Noise in the Workplace?

Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). In the UK, the decibels for legal action range from:

80 dB – Lower Action Level
85 dB – Upper Action Level
87 dB – Limit Value

At 85 dB, employers must enforce hearing protection and implement noise control measures. 87 dB is the legal maximum.

Below is a chart showing the noise levels in common activities:

Chart showing workplace noise levels by activity

Noise Surveys

Employers can identify risks that affect employees through noise surveys. These involve using equipment such as sound level meters or dosimeters to measure sound levels over a period. Regular monitoring helps identify when and where employees are at risk.

Noise surveys can identify:

Areas where noise exceeds legal thresholds
Sources of high noise (e.g., machinery, processes)
Times and durations of peak exposure
Which employees are at risk and for how long

Acoustic Protection

Acoustic protection reduces unwanted noise and improves communication by absorbing echoes. It helps maintain productivity and reduces stress.

In the UK, over 2 million workers are exposed to levels above 85 dB on average.

Why is Hearing Protection Important in the Workplace?

Short-Term and Long-Term Symptoms

Short-term issues include:

Temporary hearing loss
Muffled hearing
Tinnitus (ringing)
Difficulty understanding speech

Long-term symptoms include:

Persistent hearing loss
Difficulty in noisy environments
Frequent need to ask for repetition

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) occurs when inner ear hair cells are damaged by loud noise.

Financial and Productivity Impacts

Not providing hearing protection can lead to:

Employee injury claims (£6,000–£42,000+)
Fines up to £20,000 per offence, or unlimited in Crown Court
Reduced productivity due to communication issues and fatigue

According to NIOSH, workers with hearing loss were 21% less productive in some manufacturing tasks.

What is the Most Effective Hearing Protection?

Effectiveness depends on:

Noise level
Environment
Comfort and fit
User preference

SNR (Signal-to-noise ratio) indicates how well a device reduces unwanted noise. Higher SNR means better protection.

Earplugs

Inserted into the ear canal.

Pros:

Lightweight and discreet
Low cost
Compatible with helmets/goggles

Cons:

Requires proper insertion
Can pose hygiene issues

Recommended:

3M PELTOR EEP-100 EU Earplugs
3M™ PELTOR™ EEP-100 EU – Ideal for dynamic environments like construction and manufacturing with electronic filtering.

Howard Leight In-Ear Pro
Howard Leight Impact In-Ear Pro – High NRR and situational awareness.

Earmuffs

Worn over the ears for full coverage.

Pros:

Easy to fit/remove
Good for intermittent exposure
Better for cold environments

Cons:

Bulky
Less comfortable long-term

Recommended:

3M PELTOR H505B Earmuffs
3M™ PELTOR™ H505B – Designed for welders, neckband style fits under helmets.

3M PELTOR X1A Earmuffs
3M™ PELTOR™ X1A – Lightweight option for general manufacturing and agriculture.

Is it Necessary to Have Ear Protection?

Yes. If noise levels exceed 80 dB, hearing protection is legally required in the UK.

Industry-Specific Importance of Acoustic Protection

Industries like manufacturing often exceed 90–100 dB. Even moderate environments like warehouses may exceed 85 dB, contributing to long-term damage without workers noticing.

Protecting Hearing is Protecting Your Workforce

Hearing loss affects not only the individual but also business operations, legal compliance, and finances. Investing in hearing protection boosts morale, reduces risks, and protects your brand.