Frequently asked questions about hearing protection
Duties and legal requirements
From how many dB is hearing protection mandatory?
From 80 dB(A) the employer must provide hearing protection, from 85 dB(A) it must be worn. For peak noise, 135 and 137 dB(C) apply. These values come from EU Directive 2003/10/EC and the national rules based on it, in the UK the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. Details in Legal requirements.
Who pays for hearing protection at work?
The employer. Workers must not bear the cost of occupational safety and health measures; this follows from the EU Framework Directive 89/391/EEC and the national laws based on it.
Which PPE category does hearing protection belong to?
Category III according to Regulation (EU) 2016/425. All EarProtect products have been examined by notified body 2777 (SATRA Technology Europe).
How often must employees be trained in hearing protection?
Directive 2003/10/EC requires information and training from the lower exposure action value of 80 dB(A). In Germany: before starting work, then at least once a year and after significant changes, with practical exercises. See Hearing protection training.
Selection and attenuation values
What does the SNR value mean?
The SNR value sums up the sound attenuation from the laboratory test in a single number. For selection, DGUV Rule 112-194 calculates more precisely with the M or L value and deducts 5 or 9 dB depending on the design. More in SNR and H/M/L explained.
Which hearing protection suits my noise level?
The one that leaves 70 to 80 dB(A) at the ear. The hearing protection finder calculates this for all EarProtect products.
Can hearing protection attenuate too much?
Yes. Below 70 dB(A) at the ear, this is called overprotection; warning signals and speech are harder to hear. See Overprotection.
Earplugs or earmuffs?
Earplugs are light and fit under helmets and glasses. Earmuffs are quick to put on and take off and suit work where hearing protection is often interrupted. EarProtect offers both in several attenuation levels.
Are earmuffs suitable for people who wear glasses?
Yes, but spectacle arms under the cushions reduce the seal and therefore the attenuation. Narrow, flat arms help. At high levels, earplugs can be the better choice.
Use and care
How do you insert foam earplugs correctly?
Roll, pull the ear up and back, insert deeply and hold for 30 to 60 seconds. Step by step in How to insert earplugs.
How often should foam earplugs be replaced?
Disposable foam earplugs are thrown away after each use.
How do you clean reusable earplugs?
After every use with a mild cleaning agent and water; let them dry completely and keep them in the storage box.
How do you clean earmuffs?
After use, clean the cushions and foam pads with mild soap and water or alcohol wipes and leave them to air-dry.
Ordering and samples
Where can I buy EarProtect?
Exclusively in the DS SafetyWear B2B shop. Every product page links directly to the matching item.
Can I order samples?
Yes. Select the products in the sample form and enter your delivery address. Data sheets and declarations of conformity are available under Data sheets.
Are there data sheets and declarations of conformity?
Yes, on every product page under Downloads, and collected for all products under Data sheets.
Is DS SafetyWear certified to ISO 9001?
Yes. The quality management of DS SafetyWear Arbeitsschutzprodukte GmbH is certified to EN ISO 9001:2015 by TÜV AUSTRIA, valid until 25 March 2028. The scope covers the trade and distribution of personal protective equipment of all kinds. The certificate is available under Data sheets.