Active Ear Defenders
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Hearing Protection Guide
Hearing protection in the workplace or sports/leisure is crucial for the health and safety of an individual. Neglecting hearing protection can lead to serious health problems including tinnitus and hearing loss. We created this guide to help you choose the correct hearing protection depending on the type of working/leisure environment you will be requiring the protection.
Legal Requirements & Regulations for Hearing Protection (UK)
Some of the legal requirements that must be followed regarding hearing protection are the following:
- Under The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, employers in the UK have a legal duty to protect workers from harmful noise exposure in the workplace. Employers must act if exposure reaches 80 dB and must provide suitable hearing protection if noise exceeds 85 dB.
- Under the updated PPE at Work Regulations 2022, employers must provide hearing protection free of charge.
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in enforcement action, fines, or even prosecution.
Types of Ear Defenders
Acitve Ear Defenders
Active Ear Defenders use built-in microphones and speakers to amplify safe sounds (like speech or alarms) and automatically suppress harmful noise above a certain level.
Key Features
- Allow situational awareness and communication
- Block sudden loud noises (e.g. gunshots, tools) instantly
- Often include Bluetooth or two-way radio compatibility
- Require batteries or rechargeable power
Best For
- Environments where hearing instructions or alarms is critical
- Tactical, shooting, emergency response, or mobile workers
- Users who need protection + communication
Passive Ear Defenders
Passive Ear Defenders use the physical materials on the headset, such as foam and acoustic insulation to block sound with no electronics involved.
Key Features
- Simple, reliable protection
- No batteries or power needed
- Consistent noise reduction
- Usually cheaper than active versions
Best For
- Constant high-noise environments
- General-purpose industrial use
- Short or long-term wear without needing electronics
Earplugs
Earplugs are small inserts, often made from rubber or plastic, which are inserted into the ear canal and come in disposable, reusable, and custom-molded forms.
Key Features
- Simple, consistent noise reduction
- No batteries or maintenance
- Disposable or reusable options
- Lightweight and discreet
- Usually the most cost-effective option
Best For
- General industrial use, short- or long-term exposure
- Visitors or temporary workers
- Environments with consistent high noise
- Workers who don’t need to communicate while protected
How to Choose the Right Hearing Protection?
SNR (Single Number Rating)
- The SNR (Single Number Rating) tells you how much noise a hearing protector can reduce in decibels (dB).
- When choosing hearing protection, always match the SNR to the level of noise in your working environment.
- For environments above 85 dB(A), look for hearing protection with an SNR of 25 or higher.
- Too much noise reduction can isolate the user — aim for an SNR that brings exposure down to 70–80 dB.
Working Environment
| Environment / Industry | Noise Profile | Recommended Hearing Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Sites | Continuous and impact noise from tools, vehicles | Helmet-mounted ear defenders (passive or electronic) |
| Manufacturing / Factories | Steady mechanical noise from machinery | Passive ear defenders or reusable earplugs |
| Airports / Ground Crew | High, sustained jet engine noise | Electronic ear defenders or custom-moulded plugs |
| Forestry / Chainsaw Use | Loud intermittent noise, outdoor setting | Helmet-mounted electronic defenders |
| Shooting Ranges / Armed Forces | Sudden impact noise (gunfire) | Electronic level-dependent earplugs or defenders |
| Emergency Services / Firefighters | Need for communication + occasional high noise | In-ear electronic earplugs with radio integration |
| Welding / Metal Fabrication | Moderate noise, requires face shields | Low-profile earplugs |
| Roadworks / Civil Engineering | High impact and ambient machinery noise | Helmet-mounted passive or electronic defenders |
| Concert Venues / Sound Techs | Loud music, but need to hear details | Musician-grade filtered earplugs |
| Hospitality (e.g., nightclubs) | Loud music, frequent talking | Discrete filtered earplugs |
| Laboratories / Clean Rooms | Low/moderate noise, strict hygiene | Disposable or corded earplugs |
| Warehouse / Logistics | Moderate machinery noise, communication important | Electronic ear defenders or banded earplugs |
Compatibility with Other PPE (Helmets, Goggles, Masks)
Hearing protection should never interfere with other critical safety gear. If you wear a hard hat, opt for helmet-mounted ear defenders designed to clip onto safety helmets. Tight-fitting ear defenders may clash with goggles or respirators — low-profile designs can help. Earplugs are often the best choice when full-face protection or visors are required.
Comfort & Duration of Use
Comfort is crucial, especially when hearing protection is worn for long shifts. Reusable earplugs and premium ear defenders often feature soft cushions or ergonomic designs for extended wear. If users frequently remove their protection due to discomfort, they risk unsafe exposure — the fit must feel natural.
Maintenance and Replacement
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or heat when cleaning, as these can damage the protective materials.
- For ear defenders, wipe down the ear cushions and headband with a clean, damp cloth after each use.
- Ensure no moisture enters the electronic components of active ear defenders during cleaning.
- Disposable earplugs should be discarded after each use, especially in dusty or dirty environments.
- Reusable earplugs typically last a few weeks to months, depending on usage and care — inspect for wear or hardening.
- Ear defenders should be inspected regularly, and ear cushions or foam inserts should be replaced every 6 months (or sooner if damaged).
It depends on your environment. Use ear defenders for loud, steady noise, earplugs for tight spaces or heat, and electronic types if you need to hear speech or alarms.
SNR (Single Number Rating) shows how many decibels the product reduces. Higher SNR = more protection.
Yes. Even brief exposure to high noise can damage hearing. Use protection above 80–85 dB(A).
Passive blocks all sound. Electronic reduces harmful noise but lets you hear speech or alarms.
Yes. Use helmet-mounted defenders or low-profile earplugs to fit with hard hats, visors, or masks.
Wipe ear defenders with a damp cloth. Wash reusable plugs with soap and water. Don’t soak electronic parts.