Hearing protection for people who wear glasses

Why spectacle arms get in the way

Earmuffs only attenuate when the sealing cushions sit against the head all the way round. A spectacle arm lifts the cushion at that point, and sound can get through the gap. DGUV Rule 112-194 explicitly mentions this possible leakage at the cushions. How much attenuation is lost depends on the arm, the cushion and the shape of the head; the rule does not give a fixed value.

What DGUV Rule 112-194 recommends

• Prefer earplugs: If other equipment is worn on the head, such as safety glasses, a visor or respiratory protection, earplugs are preferable. The combination must not reduce the sound attenuation of the hearing protector (section 6.11).
• Earplugs with glasses: Among other cases, the rule recommends earplugs when glasses or safety glasses are worn together with hearing protection (section 6.4.4).
• If earmuffs, then suitable ones: With glasses or safety glasses, earmuffs should have wide, soft sealing cushions, and the spectacle arms should be as flat as possible (section 6.11).
• Check at work: If a combination has not been tested for approval, its suitability is assessed in the risk assessment (section 6.11).

Which EarProtect hearing protection for glasses wearers?

For people who wear glasses, earplugs are the first choice, because they sit in the ear canal and do not touch the spectacle arm: EP1227 disposable earplugs for high levels, washable reusable earplugs made of silicone or TPE and corded earplugs. With banded earplugs, the plugs also sit in the ear canal; the band runs under the chin or behind the head.

Which attenuation is right depends on the noise level: 70 to 80 dB(A) should reach the ear. The hearing protection finder calculates this with the M or L value and the DGUV real-world deduction.

Earmuffs with glasses: what to look for

• Choose glasses with arms that are as flat and narrow as possible.
• Check the cushions regularly for cracks and hardening and replace them in good time; soft cushions seal better around the arm.
• Practise the fit with glasses on, for example during training.
• At very high levels, or if the earmuffs seal noticeably less well: switch to earplugs.

Helmet, visor and safety glasses

For use with head protection, there are earmuffs for mounting on industrial safety helmets; they are tested to EN 352-3. According to DGUV Rule 112-194, only approved combinations may be used; the manufacturers’ documentation lists which ones these are. There are also safety glasses to which corded earplugs can be attached. Helmet-mounted earmuffs and such glasses are not part of the EarProtect range.