Principle: tested combinations
The best-known combination is earmuffs on an industrial safety helmet, supplied assembled or for self-assembly. According to section 4.5 of DGUV Rule 112-194, only tested and permitted combinations may be used. The standard EN 352-3 allows testing with other head and face protection, for example helmets under DIN EN 14052 or DIN EN 12492 and visors under DIN EN 166. There are no further standards for defined combinations. Which combination a manufacturer has tested is stated in its information.
Untested combinations must be assessed in the risk assessment (section 6.11). The protection of no item of equipment may suffer, and ergonomics must be taken into account.
Overview by equipment
| Equipment | What matters |
|---|---|
| Industrial safety helmet | Position the earmuffs correctly first, then press until they click audibly. Earplugs and their stem or band must not touch the helmet. An unsuitable helmet or helmet size can reduce protection. |
| Respirator | No leaks at the sealing cushions or the edge of the mask; the sealing line of the mask must not be affected. Acoustic warning signals of the respirator must be audible with the chosen hearing protection. |
| Glasses and safety glasses | Earplugs are mostly preferable. Earmuffs should have wide, soft sealing cushions and flat spectacle arms; thick arms reduce attenuation. There are safety glasses to which earplugs with a connecting cord can be attached. More in Hearing protection for glasses wearers. |
| Protective clothing | Avoid clothing rubbing against the hearing protection. No clothing under earmuffs, except parts intended for it such as a balaclava. |
| Bump cap | The combination is generally not possible because the earmuff does not seal. |
| Other head equipment | Check suitability in each case (section 4.5). |
What disturbs the seal of earmuffs
Annex 5 of the rule lists causes that make earmuffs attenuate less than in the laboratory. They belong in every training session:
- outdated, damaged, deformed or hardened sealing cushions
- dense hair or beards and earrings
- glasses or safety glasses, especially with thick arms
- a respirator or other head equipment worn at the same time
- swapped earmuffs (right and left)
- a headband worn at the nape or under the chin where that is not intended, instead of over the head
- ageing headbands
What employers can do
- List all head-worn equipment at a workplace (risk assessment).
- Check whether the manufacturer has tested the combination; otherwise assess it in the risk assessment.
- Choose earplugs where possible if glasses, respirator or helmet disturb the seal of earmuffs (earplugs or earmuffs?).
- Practise the combination in training: the rule expressly names helmet-earmuff combinations and the effect of glasses on leakage as exercises (section 9.2).
- Check the audibility of warning signals with the complete equipment (hearing warning signals).
If a single hearing protector is not enough at very high levels, a tested combination of earplugs and earmuffs may be considered; see Double hearing protection.
Frequently asked questions
Can earmuffs be combined with a helmet?
Yes, if the combination is tested and permitted. Earmuffs mounted on the industrial safety helmet are usual. EN 352-3 covers them; DGUV Rule 112-194 requires tested combinations (section 4.5).
Can you hear the warning signals of respirators with hearing protection?
That has to be checked. Acoustic warning signals of the respirator must be audible with the chosen hearing protection (section 7.9.3).
What should be considered with glasses and earmuffs?
Spectacle arms can disturb the seal. The rule recommends earmuffs with wide, soft sealing cushions and flat spectacle arms; earplugs are mostly preferable (section 6.11).
May clothing be worn under earmuffs?
No, except parts intended for it such as a balaclava (section 7.9.4).
Do earmuffs work with a bump cap?
Generally not, because the earmuff does not seal (section 6.11).
Sources
- DGUV Rule 112-194, chapter 4 Types of hearing protection (combinations, electronic functions, hearing aids for noisy workplaces), in German
- DGUV Rule 112-194, chapter 6 Selection (attenuation, ergonomics, work environment, signal audibility), in German
- DGUV Rule 112-194, chapter 7 Use (health checks, wearing time, audibility, combination with other PPE), in German
- DGUV Rule 112-194, chapter 9 Operating instructions and training, in German
- DGUV Rule 112-194, annex 5 Training with practical exercises, in German