Caring for, storing and checking hearing protection

Checking: daily, before each use and yearly

• Before each use (section 7.11): check earmuffs and cushions for cracks, headbands for damage or bending, foam earplugs for sufficient elasticity. Watch for cleanliness, as dirt can cause skin irritation.
• Daily (section 10.3): visual and functional check by the wearers. If in doubt about the shape of a headband, compare it with an unused device of the same type.
• At least once a year (section 7.10): the employer inspects the devices and the wearing habits visually.
• Defects must be remedied immediately. If the requirements for sound attenuation are not met, the employer must establish the causes without delay and take lasting measures (section 8(4) of the German Noise and Vibration Ordinance).

Cleaning

The rule’s advice applies to reusable hearing protection and follows the manufacturer’s instructions. Sealing cushions of earmuffs and reusable earplugs are cleaned regularly. Warm water with a common cleaning additive is usually enough; disinfectants are not necessary. Frequent cleaning or unsuitable agents can change the material and reduce attenuation. If skin irritation or ear problems occur, workers should seek medical advice, for example from the company doctor.

Example, reusable silicone: the user instructions of the EP001COB require the earplugs to be cleaned after every use with a mild detergent, dried completely, not wrung out, not cleaned with chemical substances, kept in the storage box when not in use and not pulled out by the cord. According to the instructions, they can be used up to five times. More on choosing: disposable or reusable.

Replacing parts

• Sealing cushions of earmuffs: replace as instructed by the manufacturer, in particular when they change shape, crack or break, or when their function is impaired.
• Replaceable earplugs on banded protectors: replace as instructed by the manufacturer, for example when worn or dirty.
• Earmuffs after longer storage: check the function of the cushions and the elasticity of the headband.

The DGUV rule gives no fixed replacement intervals but refers to the manufacturer’s information. Current documents are on the data sheets page.

Storage

Before first use, hearing protection should be stored, according to the manufacturer, protected from sunlight, moisture and extreme temperatures; the outer packaging usually gives enough protection. The user instructions of the EarProtect earplugs say: store in a cool, dry place, protected from frost, light, dust, grease and chemical products.

For breaks in use, suitable storage is needed, such as pouches for earmuffs and tins or boxes for reusable earplugs.

Recognising ageing

• UV radiation during storage or use can reduce attenuation; for hearing protection prone to ageing, manufacturers must state the month and year of manufacture or expiry.
• Foam earplugs can harden, then expand more slowly or incompletely in the ear canal and attenuate less.
• Reusable earplugs can become hard or brittle after longer storage.
• Foam earplugs become hard in the cold and must be warmed before insertion.

Disposable earplugs

The advice on cleaning and reuse applies to reusable products. Disposable earplugs are intended for single use and are not cleaned; dispensers are suitable for issuing them. How earplugs sit correctly is shown in How to insert earplugs correctly.