Hearing protection training: duties, content, template

When is training required?

From 80 dB(A) or 135 dB(C): Workers exposed at or above the lower exposure action values must receive information and training (Article 8 of Directive 2003/10/EC, in the UK Regulation 10 of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005).
With demonstrations: The employer must arrange training and, where appropriate, demonstrations in the wearing of personal protective equipment (Article 4(8) of Directive 89/656/EEC). In Germany, practical exercises are mandatory for PPE that protects against permanent harm (§ 31 DGUV Regulation 1). Hearing protection is PPE category III.
In Germany at least once a year and documented, like all training under DGUV Regulation 1.

Why wearing time matters so much

DGUV Rule 112-194 of the German Social Accident Insurance does the maths: at 105 dB(A) over eight hours and hearing protection with 30 dB attenuation, 75 dB(A) reaches the ear. If it is taken off for just 30 minutes, it is around 93 dB(A). And anyone who wears hearing protection for only four out of eight hours gets at most 3 dB of protection (section 7.6). This calculation belongs in every training session.

What training should cover

The hazard of noise: noise-induced hearing loss cannot be cured.
Where the noise areas are in the company and how they are marked.
Which hearing protection has been selected for which area, and why.
Correct insertion with practice, see How to insert earplugs.
Fit check and typical mistakes.
Wearing it for the entire noise exposure, even for short tasks.
Care, storage, replacement and disposal.
Overprotection: warning signals must remain audible.
Hearing checks and health surveillance.

The practical exercise

Each person inserts their own hearing protection under guidance. The trainer demonstrates correct insertion, checks the fit and corrects mistakes. Foam earplugs in particular need practice: if they are not rolled or are inserted too shallowly, they lose much of their effect.

Suggested agenda (around 30 minutes)

Time	Content
5 minutes	Noise and hearing: what noise-induced hearing loss means
5 minutes	Noise areas in the company, marking, duties
10 minutes	Practical exercise: insert hearing protection, check the fit, correct mistakes
5 minutes	Care, storage, replacement, overprotection
5 minutes	Questions, record with signatures

Qualified use: practise four times a year

DGUV Rule 112-194 sets a level above mandatory training: if training with practical exercises takes place at least four times a year and is documented, it speaks of qualified use. Selection may then be calculated without the real-world deduction, so the hearing protection is sufficient for higher levels. In Germany, such special measures are required from a daily noise exposure of 110 dB(A) under the technical rules TRLV Lärm (DGUV Rule 112-194, section 6.2.5).

What the record should contain

Date and duration
Trainer
Content, including the practical exercise
Names and signatures of participants
Hearing protection used, with item number

Material for the training

The template as a PDF, currently in German, contains the agenda, mandatory content, exercise pages with pictograms, a poster and a record with an attendance list. The user instructions for all EarProtect products are on the product pages and under Data sheets. For exercises, we are happy to send business customers samples.

Frequently asked questions

How often must hearing protection training take place?

Directive 2003/10/EC requires information and training from 80 dB(A) but sets no interval. In Germany: before starting work, then regularly, at least once a year, and after significant changes.

Does the training have to include practical exercises?

Directive 89/656/EEC requires training and, where appropriate, demonstrations in wearing PPE. In Germany, practical exercises are mandatory for hearing protection under § 31 DGUV Regulation 1, because it protects against permanent damage to health.

Does the training have to be documented?

In Germany, yes: training under DGUV Regulation 1 must be documented. A signed record is good practice everywhere, because it shows that the training took place.

Is there a template for hearing protection training?

Yes. EarProtect provides a free template as a PDF, currently in German: duties and agenda, exercise with pictograms, poster and record with an attendance list. Download without registration on this page.