Hearing protection

How much attenuation do you need?

From 80 dB(A) average daily exposure, hearing protection must be available; from 85 dB(A) wearing it is mandatory. Choose the SNR value so that roughly 70 to 75 dB(A) remains at your ear. Overprotection is a real problem: someone who can't hear anything takes the earmuffs off or misses warnings, and then the protection is zero.

Earmuffs, plugs or custom molds

Earmuffs are ideal for intermittent noise because you can put them on and take them off in a second, and they come in versions that clip onto the safety helmet. Earplugs are more pleasant in heat and on long workdays. Custom earmolds are made to measure, sit most comfortably and attenuate most evenly, but require an upfront investment.

Pay close attention to the seal. The temples of safety glasses, long hair or the edge of a cap under the cushions can easily cost 10 dB. That's more than the difference between two models.

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From what noise level do I need to wear hearing protection?

From a daily exposure of 80 dB(A), the employer must make hearing protection available. From 85 dB(A) wearing it is mandatory and measures must be taken to reduce the noise. For comparison: an angle grinder or hammer drill is well above that threshold.

What does the SNR value mean?

SNR stands for Single Number Rating: the average number of decibels the protection attenuates. Roughly subtract that value from the ambient noise to estimate what remains. Aim for about 70 to 75 dB(A) at your ear; more attenuation sounds safer but actually makes you less safe because you no longer hear warning signals and colleagues.

Earmuffs or earplugs?

Earmuffs go on and off quickly and are handy when the noise comes intermittently. Earplugs are more pleasant in heat, under a helmet, or when worn for long stretches. The biggest practical difference is fit: glasses or a cap under the muff breaks the seal and can easily cost 10 dB of attenuation.

Mag je muziek luisteren met een Bluetooth-gehoorbeschermer?

Dat kan, maar het geluid van je muziek of telefoongesprek telt mee in je totale geluidsbelasting. Houd het volume daarom laag en zorg dat je waarschuwingssignalen en collega’s nog hoort. Sommige werkgevers staan muziek op de werkvloer niet toe vanwege de veiligheid. Bespreek dat dus vooraf, ook als de gehoorbeschermer zelf volgens EN 352 is gecertificeerd.

Hoe vaak moet je oorkussens van oorkappen vervangen?

Vervang de oorkussens volgens het advies van de fabrikant, en altijd zodra ze hard worden, scheuren of niet meer goed aansluiten. Bij dagelijks gebruik is dat vaak na ongeveer een half jaar. Versleten kussens sluiten slechter af, waardoor de werkelijke demping lager wordt dan de SNR-waarde op de verpakking. Maak de kussens regelmatig schoon met een vochtige doek.

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How much attenuation do you need?

Earmuffs, plugs or custom molds

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