Ear Protection

Safety regulations state that ear protection should be worn if the noise exceeds 85 decibels. This protection is important as hearing loss may happen gradually over a long period of time. It reduces noise exposure and the risk of hearing loss but it should fit properly and be worn at all times. The first type of ear protection is ear plugs which block the ear canal. They can be mass-produced or individually-moulded and can be reusable or disposable. These plugs are less expensive than other types of protection but are more comfortable in hot and damp conditions. They can be made of foam/PVC which is compressed and rolled into the ear canal where it expands. Custom-moulded types are made of acrylic, vinyl or silicone and can be vented for communication. Other kinds are silicon and flanged. Semi-inserted ear plugs are held over the ear canal by a rigid headband. Ear muffs are made of sound-attenuating material, have soft ear cushions around the ear and hard outer cups. They should fit tightly enough to maintain a proper seal and offer greater protection then plugs. Ear protection in any laboratory where the level and nature of noise warrants it for the protection and comfort of its workers.