Hearing Protection

Hearing Protection PPE is available for sale at Professional Safety Services (UK) Ltd. Contact our sales depratment on 01423 323 302.

A hearing protective device, also known as a HPD, is an ear protection device worn in or over the ears while exposed to hazardous noise to help prevent noise-induced hearing loss. HPDs reduce (not eliminate) the level of the noise entering the ear. HPDs can also protect against other effects of noise exposure such as tinnitus and hyperacusis. There are many different types of HPDs available for use, including earmuffs, earplugs, electronic hearing protection devices, and semi-insert devices.

Earmuffs

Different styles of earplugs are pictured. Left, pre-molded earplugs. Center, formable earplugs. Right, roll-down foam earplugs.

Earmuff style devices are designed to fit over the outer ear, or pinna. Earmuff HPDs typically consist of two ear cups and a head band. Ear cups are usually lined with a sound-absorbing material, such as foam. The cups should be fit so that the center of the ear canal aligns with the ear canal opening. The soft cushions seal around the pinna of the ears. The head band, centered at the top of the head, applies force/pressure to seal the ear cups over the ears.

Earplugs

Earplug style devices are designed to fit in the ear canal. Earplugs come in a variety of different subtypes. The attenuation offered by these devices can be measured through hearing protection fit testing.

Pre-molded earplugs have a preformed shape and a push-to-fit design.
Formable earplugs are pliable and take the form of an individual’s ear canal.
Roll-down foam earplugs are one of the most commonly used earplugs, and are made from slow recovery foam which expands after it has been “rolled-down” and inserted in the ear canal, creating a tighter seal.
Custom earplugs are made individually for each user following earmold impressions. Typically custom earplugs are purchased from an audiology clinic or hearing healthcare professional.