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Custom Hearing Protection
Custom Hearing Protection
Custom Hearing Protection??
New York,
New York,
United States of America
(prbd.net)
07/05/2010
"How do I pick my hearing protectors? It’s a common question that I hear asked a lot."
Custom Hearing Protection??
How do I pick my hearing protectors? It’s a common question that I hear asked a lot. There are many choices out there—some more comfortable than others… and some more effective. How do you sort through the maze of options available for custom hearing protection?
There are a few options that are going to be open to you, and several factors you'll want to keep in mind. The choice of hearing protectors can be a very personal one. Some of the factors to take into account are levels of noise you'll be exposed to, the comfort of the earplugs/headsets, and the suitability of the hearing protector for you and the environment you're working in.
Most importantly, the custom hearing protection needs to provide the desired/required noise protection. Fortunately, there are a number of different types to chose from. Here are some examples:
Custom Hearing Protection
Exposure You’re Facing
If the noise exposure is intermittent, ear muffs can be more desirable, since it may be a pain in the rear to remove and then reposition earplugs. You’ll notice that each manufacturer will give you information about the noise reducing capability of their custom hearing protector as an NRR (noise reduction rating) number. The NRR ratings are based on noise reduction obtained in labs (not in the worksite, which has different variables… but still, the numbers are similar).
Using NRR To Figure Out Which Custom Hearing Protection Option Is Best
How do I use Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) to make sure I’m safe? If you're an employee, your employer should have the kind of data that you need. Otherwise, when you're looking through sales material, manufacturers will often describe the kinds of activities that are safely performed with the level of custom hearing protection that is provided.
Here are some of the different options available:
Custom Hearing Protection
What are the differences in ear plugs and ear muffs?
There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Ear plugs can be individually molded to fit the ear, but generally are mass-produced and will fit any size ear. As for custom hearing protection, they can be useful due to their lower costs and reusable application. On the positive side, they are simple to use, less expensive than muffs, and more comfortable in more climates. Negatives include: providing less protection than some muffs, and often times being uncomfortable to certain people.
Ear muffs can vary all over the place. The headband must fit tightly enough to maintain a proper seal, yet not be restrictive and too tight for comfort. On the upside, ear muffs can generally give greater protection than plugs. They are easier to fit, often times last longer than plugs, and they have replaceable parts, which is especially useful on high-end sets. The negatives: they are more expensive by far, and can be less comfortable than ear-plugs, especially in hot climates.
Conclusion
In areas where noise levels are extreme, ear-muffs and ear plugs can be worn together. This is the ultimate combination that gives the best protection. If you are currently shopping for custom hearing protection, there are a variety of different options posted here:
Custom Hearing Protection
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