EN 458:2004

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-april-2005
1DGRPHãþD
SIST EN 458:1996
9DURYDODVOXKD3ULSRURþLOD]DL]ELURXSRUDERQHJRLQY]GUåHYDQMH1DYRGLOR
Hearing protectors - Recommendations for selection, use, care and maintenance -
Guidance document
Gehörschützer - Empfehlungen für Auswahl, Einsatz, Pflege und Instandhaltung -
Leitfaden
Protecteurs individuels contre le bruit - Recommandations relatives a la sélection, a
l'utilisation, aux précautions d'emploi et a l'entretien - Document guide
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 458:2004
ICS:
13.340.20 Varovalna oprema za glavo Head protective equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 458
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
November 2004
ICS 13.340.20 Supersedes EN 458:1993
English version
Hearing protectors - Recommendations for selection, use, care
and maintenance - Guidance document
Protecteurs individuels contre le bruit - Recommandations Gehörschützer - Empfehlungen für Auswahl, Einsatz,
relatives à la sélection, à l'utilisation, aux précautions Pflege und Instandhaltung - Leitfaden
d'emploi et à l'entretien - Document guide
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 24 June 2004.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official
versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2004 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 458:2004: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents
page
Foreword. 4
1 Scope. 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions. 8
4 Types of hearing protector. 9
4.1 General. 9
4.2 Passive hearing protectors. 9
4.2.1 Ear-muffs . 9
4.2.2 Helmet mounted ear-muffs. 9
4.2.3 Acoustic helmets . 9
4.2.4 Ear-plugs. 9
4.2.5 Preshaped ear-plugs. 9
4.2.6 Individual custom moulded ear-plugs . 9
4.2.7 User formable ear-plugs. 10
4.2.8 Banded ear-plugs. 10
4.3 Function modes . 10
4.3.1 General. 10
4.3.2 Passive. 10
4.3.3 Non passive . 10
4.3.4 Level-dependent hearing protectors. 10
4.3.5 Flat frequency response hearing protectors. 10
4.3.6 Active noise reduction (ANR) protectors .11
4.3.7 Hearing protectors with communication facilities . 11
5 Selection . 11
5.1 General. 11
5.2 Conformity with relevant requirements for incorporated electronics. 11
5.2.1 Intrinsic safety. 11
5.2.2 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) . 11
5.3 Selection of appropriate hearing protection for the noise environment. 11
5.3.1 Regulatory and general requirements . 11
5.3.2 Selection of passive hearing protectors according to their sound attenuation. 12
5.3.3 Selection of hearing protectors according to special needs or requirements. 12
5.3.4 'Real world' attenuation. 13
5.3.5 Effects of over-protection . 13
5.3.6 Combination of ear-muffs and ear-plugs.13
5.4 Wearer comfort. 13
5.5 Environment and activity . 13
5.5.1 High and low temperatures and/or humidity. 13
5.5.2 Unclean working conditions . 13
5.5.3 Repeated short term noise exposure. 14
5.5.4 Recognition of informative sounds within the work environment . 14
5.5.5 Warning signals and speech communication. 14
5.5.6 Location of a sound source . 14
5.6 Medical disorders. 14
5.7 Compatibility with other personal protective equipment . 14
6 Use. 14
6.1 General. 14
6.2 Period of use . 14
6.3 Hearing protectors designed for use in particular orientations. 15
6.4 Availability of protectors. 15
6.5 Compatibility of other personal protective equipment with ear-muffs and banded
ear-plugs . 15
6.5.1 General. 15
6.5.2 Protective clothing. 16
6.5.3 Spectacles . 16
6.5.4 Goggles. 16
6.5.5 Face shields. 16
6.5.6 Hoods . 16
6.5.7 Safety helmets. 16
6.5.8 Respiratory protection devices . 16
6.6 Correct fitting of hearing protectors . 16
6.6.1 General. 16
6.6.2 Ear-muffs . 16
6.6.3 Ear-plugs. 16
6.7 Audibility of speech and/or warning and alerting sounds whilst wearing hearing
protectors . 17
6.8 Leisure activities . 17
6.9 Guidance for use. 17
6.9.1 Information . 17
7 Care and maintenance. 17
7.1 General. 17
7.2 Hygiene and cleaning . 18
7.3 Inspection and replacement . 18
7.4 Storage. 18
7.5 Disposal . 18
Annex A (normative)  Methods for assessing the sound attenuation of a passive hearing
protector regarding equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level. 19
A.1 General. 19
A.2 Octave band method. 22
A.3 HML method . 23
A.4 HML check method . 24
A.5 SNR method. 25
Annex B (informative)  Method for assessing the sound attenuation of a hearing
protector for impulsive sounds . 27
B.1 General. 27
B.2 Method. 27
Annex C (informative)  Selection method for non-passive sound restoration level-
dependent ear-muffs and ear-plugs using HML data. 30
C.1 Methods for predicting if the A-weighted L effective at the ear is less than 85
eq
dB(A). 30
C.2 Method 1: HML Method. 30
C.3 Method 2A: HML check method - Measurement check. 31
C.4 Method 2B: HML check method - Listening method . 31
Annex D (informative)  Selection method for active noise reduction ear-muffs and ear-
plugs. 33
D.1 Method for continuous noises. 33
Annex E (informative)  Selection method for ear muffs with audio input. 34
E.1 Method. 34
Annex ZA (informative)  Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 89/686/EEC. 36
Bibliography . 37

Foreword
This document (EN 458:2004) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 159 “Hearing
Protection”, the secretariat of which is held by SIS.
This document supersedesEN 458:1993.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by May 2005, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by May 2005.
This European Standard has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN and the European Free
Trade Association by the European Commission to support Essential Requirements of EU Directive
89/686/EEC.
For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this
document.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national implement this European
Standard: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

Introduction
Hearing protection devices are items of personal protective equipment (PPE) which, as a result of
their attenuating properties, reduce the harmful effects of noise on hearing in order to prevent hearing
damage. This document has been prepared to give guidance to all persons who have to supply,
purchase or wear hearing protectors. This document is intended to provide guidance on the correct
selection, use, care and maintenance of hearing protectors.
National bodies may produce their own interpretation of this document for additional national
regulations, custom and practice.
In order that the protection offered by hearing protectors be effectively realised, hearing protectors
should be worn at all times when the user is in a potentially hazardous noise environment. In the
selection of hearing protectors, therefore, attention is drawn to the importance of considering factors
which may influence comfort and acceptance.
In hearing conservation programmes, noise hazard areas are identified and the personal noise
exposure assessed. Priority should be given to reducing noise at source before a suitable hearing
protector is considered, as shown in Figure 1.
1 Scope
This document gives recommendations for the selection, use, care and maintenance of hearing
protectors.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 352-1, Hearing protectors — General requirements — Part 1: Ear-muffs.
EN 352-2, Hearing protectors — General requirements — Part 2: Ear-plugs.
EN 352-3, Hearing protectors — General requirements — Part 3: Ear-muffs attached to an industrial
safety helmet.
EN ISO 4869-2:1995, Acoustics — Hearing protectors — Part 2: Estimation of effective A-weighted
sound pressure levels when hearing protectors are worn (ISO 4869-2:1994).
EN ISO 9921, Ergonomics — Assessment of speech communication (ISO 9921:2003)
Figure 1  Actions to be taken to reduce an individual's risk of noise induced hearing loss
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
national action level (L )
act
daily noise exposure level (LEX,8h) above which hearing protectors are worn
NOTE: National laws or regulations will stipulate the level of noise exposure above which hearing protectors must
be worn
3.2
national peak action level (L )
act,pk
peak pressure level above which hearing protectors are worn
NOTE: National laws or regulations will stipulate the level of peak noise exposure above which hearing protectors
must be worn
3.3
care
day-to-day attention given to the protector by the wearer
3.4
effective attenuation
effective attenuation is the measure of protection afforded by the hearing protector
3.5
maintenance
regular inspection and repair of the protector, for example the replacement of defective ear-muff
cushions
3.6
over-protection
selection and wearing of a hearing protector with too high an attenuation. This may lead to a sense of
isolation and difficulties with perception of sounds
3.7
selection
process of choosing the most suitable protector
3.8
use
day-to-day wearing of a hearing protector by the person to be protected
3.9
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
all equipment (including clothing affording protection against the weather) which is worn or held by a
person at work and which protects them against one or more risks to his health and safety, and any
addition or accessory designed to meet that objective
3.10
impulse noise
sudden change of pressure that can consist of a unique single event or form either a series of
impulses with pauses between
3.11
sound attenuation
for a given test signal, the mean difference, in decibels, between the threshold of hearing with and
without the hearing protector in place for the test subject
4 Types of hearing protector
4.1 General
Hearing protectors are available in many forms and the main types are described in the following
paragraphs. This list is not exhaustive.
4.2 Passive hearing protectors
4.2.1 Ear-muffs
Ear-muffs consist of cups which fit over the ears and are sealed to the head with soft cushions,
usually filled with plastic foam or liquid. The cups are usually lined with sound absorptive material.
They are connected by a tensioning band (headband), usually made of metal or plastic. A flexible
headstrap is sometimes fitted to each cup or to the headband close to the cups. This strap is used to
support the cups when the headband is worn behind the head or under the chin. Some ear-muffs
have one cup intended only for the left ear and another only for the right ear. Ear-muffs may be
available in 'normal' and 'restricted size range' types. ‘Medium’ size ear-muffs are intended to fit the
majority of head sizes found in the working population in Europe. 'Restricted size range' ear-muffs are
designed to fit particular head sizes; 'small size range' and 'large size range' ear-muffs may be
available.
Ear-muffs are available with headbands, neckbands, chinbands and universal bands. Ear-muffs with
neckbands and chinbands permit the simultaneous wearing of a safety helmet. Universal bands can
be worn over the head, behind the head or under the chin. Universal bands, neckbands and
chinbands may be complemented by headstraps to ensure a reliable fit of the muff.
4.2.2 Helmet mounted ear-muffs
These consist of individual cups attached to arms that are fixed to an industrial safety helmet. The
arms are adjustable so that the cups can be positioned over the ears.
4.2.3 Acoustic helmets
Acoustic helmets cover a large part of the head as well as the outer ear. They can provide additional
reduction of the transmission of air-borne sound to the skull thereby reducing bone conduction of the
sound to the inner ear.
4.2.4 Ear-plugs
Ear-plugs are hearing protectors which are inserted and worn in or which cover the ear canal, in order
to seal its entrance. They are sometimes provided with an interconnecting cord or headband. Ear-
plugs can be either disposable (intended for one fitting only) or reusable (intended for more than one
fitting).
4.2.5 Preshaped ear-plugs
Preshaped ear-plugs can readily be inserted into the ear canal without prior shaping. Preshaped ear-
plugs are usually made of glass down, silicone, rubber or plastics. They may be available in a range
of sizes.
4.2.6 Individual custom moulded ear-plugs
Custom moulded ear-plugs are individually moulded to fit the shape of the users ear canals.
4.2.7 User formable ear-plugs
User formable ear-plugs are made from compressible materials that the wearer forms before inserting
them into the ear canal. After insertion, these ear-plugs expand and form a seal within the ear canal.
4.2.8 Banded ear-plugs
These are preshaped or user formable ear-plugs attached to a band which presses them into the ear-
canal or against the entrance to the ear-canal (semi-aural or semi-insert).
4.3 Function modes
4.3.1 General
It should be noted that some devices may have more than one function mode.
4.3.2 Passive
These devices may be either ear-muffs or ear-plugs that have the singular function or characteristic of
reducing noise by their design and type of material used, to absorb and/or reflect sound. Passive
devices have no added mechanisms.
4.3.3 Non passive
These devices can be either ear-muffs or ear-plugs. Non passive devices are passive hearing
protectors with additional functions. They may incorporate mechanical or electronic components.
4.3.4 Level-dependent hearing protectors
4.3.4.1 General
These devices can be either ear-muffs or ear-plugs. Level-dependent hearing protectors are designed
to provide different attenuation as the sound level changes. Their main purpose is to protect against
impulsive or intermittent hazardous noise whilst allowing communication during quiet periods.
4.3.4.2 Sound restoration level-dependent hearing protectors
These devices can be either ear-muffs or ear-plugs. Sound restoration level-dependent hearing
protectors incorporate an electronic sound reproduction system. At low noise levels the sound
detected by an external microphone is relayed and amplified to a loudspeaker inside the muff cup, or
plug. As the external sound level increases, the electronics gradually reduce transmission of sound to
the inside of the hearing protector.
4.3.4.3 Passive level-dependent hearing protectors
These devices can be either ear-muffs or ear-plugs. They normally incorporate an acoustic filter which
allows the transmission of low sound pressure levels but offers more attenuation to high sound
pressure levels. These types of hearing protector are designed to be effective against very high single
impulse noises, such as firearms, rather than the continuous noise or repetitive impulses found in
most industrial situations.
4.3.5 Flat frequency response hearing protectors
These devices can be either ear-muffs or ear-plugs that, by their design, give a similar sound
attenuation across a wide frequency range thus assisting effective communications.
4.3.6 Active noise reduction (ANR) protectors
These devices can be either ear-muffs or ear-plugs. These are hearing protectors which incorporate
an electronic sound cancelling system to achieve additional noise attenuation. ANR is particularly
effective at low frequencies (50 Hz to 500 Hz) where passive hearing protectors can be less effective.
ANR protectors are usually based on a muff-type hearing protector.
4.3.7 Hearing protectors with communication facilities
These devices can be either ear-muffs or ear-plugs. These devices use a wired or aerial system
through which working signals, alarms, messages or entertainment programmes can be relayed.
Some products incorporate a system to limit the sound level.
5 Selection
5.1 General
As there are many different hearing protectors capable of dealing with a wide range of noise
environments, it is important to choose the most suitable type. All functions of a hearing protector
need to be considered in the selection process. When selecting a hearing protector, consideration
should be given to the factors listed below and outlined in the following sections:
 CE mark;
 sound attenuation requirement;
 wearer comfort;
 environment and activity;
 medical disorders;
 compatibility with other personal protective equipment (PPE), such as helmets, spectacles, etc.
The selection procedure should be repeated at regular intervals to ensure that an effective attenuation
is maintained.
5.2 Conformity with relevant requirements for incorporated electronics
5.2.1 Intrinsic safety
Where hearing protectors incorporating electronics are to be used in potentially explosive
atmospheres, care should be taken to ensure that they are properly certified as intrinsically safe for
the particular environment.
5.2.2 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
Where necessary, devices that incorporate electronic circuitry shall meet the requirements of the
appropriate European Standards.
5.3 Selection of appropriate hearing protection for the noise environment
5.3.1 Regulatory and general requirements
The selected hearing protector should at least reduce the noise level at the wearer's ears to below the
appropriate action level as determined by national regulations.
In selecting a suitable hearing protector, consideration shall be given to the characteristics of the
noise, i.e. sound pressure level, frequency content and impulsiveness, and the importance of
communications (see 5.5.4 and 5.5.5). In each case:
 ascertain whether there is a requirement for:
 effective communication;
 the need to hear warning signals;
 determine whether there are special requirements for specific noise environments.
5.3.2 Selection of passive hearing protectors according to their sound attenuation
In selecting a suitable hearing protector, consideration shall be given to the characteristics of the
noise, i.e. sound pressure level, frequency content and impulsiveness, and the importance of
communications (see 5.5.4 and 5.5.5). In each case:
 obtain information about or measure the noise.
 obtain information, including attenuation data provided by manufacturers in accordance with
EN 352, parts 1, 2, 3:
 guidance on the selection method is given at Annexes A and B to determine an estimate of
the effective A-weighted sound level at the wearer´s ear;
 for impulse noises above 140 dB L use the procedure given at Annex B;
pk
 for repeated impulse noises below 140 dB L use the procedure given in Annex A.
pk
 use the procedures given at Annexes A and B to determine an estimate of the effective A-
weighted sound level at the wearer's ears;
5.3.3 Selection of hearing protectors according to special needs or requirements
Where special requirements have been identified, the following examples of devices with additional
functions may be suitable. The examples are not exhaustive.
 level-dependent hearing protectors may be considered where:
 the noise is impulsive;
 the noise is intermittent;
 a good speech intelligibility is required.
Guidance on the selection of sound restoration level dependant hearing protectors is given at
Annex C:
 hearing protectors with communication facilities may be considered for:
 training and further education in noisy areas;
 noise areas where extensive instructions have to be given;
 plant guiding in noisy areas;
 where reproduction of radio broadcast is used.
Guidance on the selection of communication hearing protectors is given at Annex E:
 active noise reduction hearing protectors are suitable for high level low frequency sound.
Guidance for the selection of active noise reduction hearing protectors is given at Annex D.
5.3.4 'Real world' attenuation
The performance likely to be achieved in the 'real-world' may be lower than that obtained from tests
made to harmonized standards and published by the manufacturer. This may be attributed to poor
fitting (especially with ear-plugs), long hair, the wearing of spectacles or other PPE, all of which can
affect the performance of hearing protectors.
5.3.5 Effects of over-protection
Caution should be exercised to ensure that the wearer is not provided with a hearing protector that
affords unnecessarily high attenuation. Such hearing protectors may cause difficulties with
communication and the hearing of warning signals. Users may feel uncomfortable or isolated from the
environment. As a result, hearing protectors may not be worn for all the required exposure time.
5.3.6 Combination of ear-muffs and ear-plugs
Personnel working in extreme noise conditions may require more protection than that provided by ear-
muffs or ear-plugs when worn alone. However, it should be noted that the attenuation of a
combination of ear-muffs and ear-plugs is not the sum of the attenuation of the individual protectors
and some combinations can even reduce the protection provided. Competent advice should be
sought from the manufacturer regarding the ability of a combination of protectors to provide increased
attenuation. If attenuation data for combinations is available those products should be preferred.
5.4 Wearer comfort
The comfort of a hearing protector depends on many different factors. For ear-muffs, the mass,
cushion pressure, headband force, adjustability, type of material used and construction of the device
all affect the perceived comfort. In the case of ear-plugs, the ease of fitting and removal are relevant
issues. Comfort is an important personal parameter in the choice of a hearing protector. Wherever
possible, the user should be allowed to make a personal choice of hearing protector. Purchasers,
employers, supervisors or other parties, as appropriate, should ensure that the choice is made from
among adequate and effective types.
5.5 Environment and activity
5.5.1 High and low temperatures and/or humidity
Physical work, especially at high ambient temperatures and/or humidity, may cause severe,
unpleasant sweating under ear-muff cushions. In such conditions ear-plugs may be preferred. If ear-
muffs are worn, thin, absorbent hygiene cushion covers may be used. However, it should be noted
that these covers may reduce the attenuation of the hearing protector. Products with published
attenuation data for a combination of muff and hygiene cover should be preferred.
Extreme low temperatures can affect the attenuation of hearing protectors.
5.5.2 Unclean working conditions
In unclean working conditions, care should be taken to ensure that the selected hearing protector can
be used without risk of infection to the wearer. This is particularly important when using ear-plugs.
5.5.3 Repeated short term noise exposure
Ear-muffs and preshaped banded ear-plugs may be preferred in repeated short term noise exposure
because they are quick and easy to fit and remove.
5.5.4 Recognition of informative sounds within the work environment
Where informative sounds in the work environment need to be heard, hearing protectors with a flat
frequency response may be preferred.
5.5.5 Warning signals and speech communication
Where the recognition of sounds such as speech and warning signals is critical, hearing protectors
with a flat frequency response may be preferred.
5.5.6 Location of a sound source
Identification of the direction of a sound source is sometimes necessary. This may be impaired when
wearing hearing protectors, particularly ear-muffs, and ear-plugs may be preferred.
5.6 Medical disorders
Before any type of hearing protector is selected, the user should be asked if he has had or has any
ear trouble, such as irritation of the ear canal, earache, discharge or hearing loss, or is having
treatment for any ear disease or skin disorder.
Individuals with any such medical problems should be referred for medical opinion as to the most
suitable type of hearing protector. Personnel with an existing hearing loss may find that the use of
hearing protectors leads to additional hearing difficulties. In such cases, appropriate specialist advice
should be sought. If applicable, this should include the most suitable hearing aid for the noise.
5.7 Compatibility with other personal protective equipment
In the selection of hearing protectors it is important to ensure that the hearing protector's performance
is not impaired by the use of other PPE (see 6.5). Ear-plugs or low mass ear-muffs may be preferred.
6 Use
6.1 General
Lack of motivation in using hearing protectors is sometimes due to insufficient instruction or unsuitable
selection. A sense of isolation may be experienced when hearing protectors are worn for the first time.
In order to avoid resistance to the wearing of hearing protectors, effective explanation of the need to
use hearing protection is required.
6.2 Period of use
To be effective, hearing protectors need to be worn all the time in environments where harmful noise
levels exist. If hearing protectors are removed, even for short periods of time, the effective attenuation
and protection is greatly reduced (see Figure 2). Where people fail to wear hearing protectors for all of
the time they are in a noisy environment, the limiting factor, in terms of attenuation, will become the
time spent without the hearing protector rather than the performance of the protector.
Key
X-axis: Exposure time without hearing protector %
Y-axis: Effective attenuation [dB]
1) Hearing protector with an attenuation of PNR = 10 dB
2) Hearing protector with an attenuation of PNR = 20 dB
3) Hearing protector with an attenuation of PNR = 30 dB
Figure 2 — Effective protection provided by hearing protectors with decreased wearing time
6.3 Hearing protectors designed for use in particular orientations
In cases where hearing protectors have one cup or plug intended only for the left ear and another for
the right ear, care should be taken to ensure that the hearing protectors are worn in the correct
orientation.
6.4 Availability of protectors
Personnel should be aware that they should not enter noise hazard areas without wearing hearing
protectors. Where disposable protectors are used, a supply should be available at all points of entry to
a noise hazard area. Where appropriate, provision should be made to ensure that hearing protection
is available for visitors.
6.5 Compatibility of other personal protective equipment with ear-muffs and banded
ear-plugs
6.5.1 General
It is not uncommon for personnel working in a noisy area to be required to wear other protective
headgear. This can lead to a reduction in hearing protector attenuation. Special attention should be
paid to the aspects described in the following sections when ear-muffs or banded ear-plugs are worn.
When a hearing protector is used in combination with other PPE equipped with acoustic warning
signals to indicate the malfunction of that PPE, care has to be taken to ensure the user’s perception of
these warning signals is not impaired.
6.5.2 Protective clothing
Protective clothing should be worn over any hearing protector and not underneath. Any attempt to
wear ear-muffs or banded ear-plugs over clothing will greatly reduce their effectiveness.
6.5.3 Spectacles
The side arms of spectacles should be of a low profile type so as not to disturb the seal of the ear-
muff against the head. Ear-plugs or ear-muffs with wide and compliant cushions may be preferred.
6.5.4 Goggles
Care should be taken to ensure that the lens housing and the headstraps do not interfere with the ear-
muff cushion and seal.
6.5.5 Face shields
The design of the face shield should be such as to prevent it interfering with the hearing protector
when in use.
6.5.6 Hoods
Hearing protectors should be worn under the hood.
6.5.7 Safety helmets
Some ear-muffs are designed to be worn in conjunction with safety helmets (not helmet mounted) and
may be held in place with a head strap and/or neckband. Care should be taken to ensure that the
helmet does not interfere with the attenuation of the ear-muff.
6.5.8 Respiratory protection devices
Care should be taken to ensure that the retaining harness of the respirator does not break the seal
between the ear-muff and the side of the head.
6.6 Correct fitting of hearing protectors
6.6.1 General
In order to achieve their maximum sound attenuation, hearing protectors should be fitted in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
6.6.2 Ear-muffs
Ear-muffs should be worn with the headband or neckband correctly positioned and adjusted on the
head.
6.6.3 Ear-plugs
Ear-plugs should be correctly inserted into the ear canal. Failure to do so could lead to considerable
loss of sound attenuation. Those parts of the ear-plug which come into contact with the ear canal
should be clean and ear-plugs should always be inserted with clean fingers. Sized ear-plugs should
be fitted for each ear individually since left and right ear canal size and shape are not always the
same.
6.7 Audibility of speech and/or warning and alerting sounds whilst wearing hearing
protectors
It is a natural reaction to drop the voice level when hearing protectors are worn. However, it is
important that wearers maintain or even increase their voice level to improve communication. Alarm,
warning or call signals in the noisy area should be selected so that those who have to wear hearing
protection can hear them. The ultimate audibility of any desired signal should be assured by testing it
under actual working conditions, allowing for changes in noise levels (e.g. time of day/work process).
If the noise levels are loud enough to interfere with the audibility of such signals it may be necessary
to adopt an additional backup visual alarm system.
6.8 Leisure activities
The wearing of hearing protectors should be encouraged when exposure to noise outside the work
situation may damage hearing.
6.9 Guidance for use
All personnel who need to wear hearing protectors should be provided with sufficient information and
adequate training in their correct use.
6.9.1 Information
In particular, information should be provided to the wearer on the following points:
 risk of hearing damage if hearing protectors are not worn;
 damaging noise levels;
 influence of the period of use on the protection achieved;
 availability of hearing protectors;
 importance of the fit of the hearing protector on performance and the protection achieved;
 audibility of speech and/or warning and alerting sounds;
 manufacturer's instructions for use.
Where required, additional information should be provided for the following:
 use of hearing protectors in particular orientations;
 compatibility of other PPE with ear-muffs and banded ear-plugs.
7 Care and maintenance
7.1 General
Hearing protectors should be regularly maintained and cleaned in order to avoid loss of attenuation.
The same ear-plugs should never be worn by more than one person. In circumstances where the
same ear-muffs may ne
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