hearing protection

If an employer is unable to reduce the level of Noise that an employee is exposed to below the Upper Exposure Action Value of (85dB L,epd) or a peak sound pressure of 135db (C-weighted) then the employer must provide effective personal hearing protection for that employee.

Unfortunately, not all hearing protection is effective and employees are often provided with inappropriate protection, resulting in poor compliance and ineffective fitting. Also, over-protection (cutting out too much sound) isolates the employee and they also become reluctant to use the protection. 

Custom made hearing protection is the real solution for most people. As the name suggests these personal protectors are custom made for each individual, taking into account not only the shape and contours of their own ears, but also the type of noise that they are exposed to. In providing this custom made solution employers can be confident that they are providing their workers with the most appropriate form of hearing protection. 

Many employers are concerned about the cost of providing custom made hearing protection, but, in fact, research has shown that the cost can be less than disposable products over a short period of time. Download an information brochure here

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what is involved?

In the first instance we need to take silicone earmould impressions of the employee’s ears. We do ask that all employees requiring this service have their ears checked for wax prior to having impressions taken. In addition, if any employee has recurrent ear infections or other, ear related medical complaints then we may not be able to take impressions.

Following examination of the ear canals our skilled staff take an impression of the ear canals using medical grade silicone and these are then shipped to the manufacturer for production. As soon as the protectors return we will organise delivery and fitting if appropriate. We will be happy to assist with a training programme to ensure that employees are obtaining maximum benefit from their protection.

For temporary workers, or those who only need intermittent protection we are also able to supply the Etymotic Research ER20 generic hearing protector. More information is available here