The statistics of hearing loss are staggering. With reports that by 2030 adult onset hearing loss will be in the top ten disease burdens in the UK, above cataracts and diabetes, employers need to seek trustworthy technologies that can support health and safety requirements.

Navigating the complexities and numerous layers surrounding hearing protection can be overwhelming. We spoke with Peltor’s Hearing & Communications Sales Specialist, Paul Owen, in this months ‘Ask the Expert’. He explains how 3M address rapidly changing environments and hearing protection guidelines, and where their technology is providing safe & secure solutions for employees.  

Can you tell us about 3M Peltor & the core values of the organisation?

3M™ PELTOR™ Communications Headsets, part of science-based technology company 3M, is a global leader in two-way and active listening headsets for use in hazardous, high noise environments.

Our company values of Inclusion, Diversity, Sustainability and ‘Respect, Encourage, Challenge’ are what guide us, bind us together as one organisation and are reflected in our culture:

• Customer at Core – We always try to think like, and with the customer, improving customer outcomes and exceeding expectations. We measure performance as the customer would.
• Innovating Boldly – We pride ourselves by leading the way in science, pioneering solutions and processes.
• Powered by Inclusion – We operate with full transparency and foster learning and development for all employees.
• Winning with Agility – We empower decision making and taking ownership to improve continuously.
• Unwavering Integrity – We hold ourselves and our colleagues to the highest standards of honesty and ethics

How is Peltor different from its main competitors in the hearing protection market?

3M™ Peltor™ offers a hearing protection and communication solution for every noisy environment, from roll down earplugs to a sophisticated ATEX communication headset.

Peltor’s technology supports various industry standards, how are they adapting to the ongoing challenges of hearing protection?

There was a time when wearing hearing protectors meant you had to be isolated and out of contact. Those days are over.  Today, 3M Peltor offers first-class communication solutions that not only make your working day safer and more efficient but also much more enjoyable. Peltor products are developed for environments where high safety must be combined with ease of communication; for example in military and industrial environments, construction sites, oil and gas and mining.

How is Peltor making adjustments to support usability during the COVID-19 pandemic?

3M™ Peltor™ LiteCom (Headsets help to maintain communications between workers in noisy environments while keeping an appropriate distance between them. Hands-free communication (Vox) allows you to speak through the radio without pressing any buttons. External microphones allow for talking and hearing warnings without removing the headset.

As our hearing and communications, specialists are not able to visit end-user premises at this time, we are hosting virtual meetings to discuss the customer needs and then allowing a two week, free of charge, no-obligation, ‘Try Before You Buy’ trial of the product.

What gap in the UK hearing protection market does Peltor strive to address?

I am often asked for an “in-ear” hearing protection/communication product, so that would be very high on the list.

Can you tell us a little about yourself personally and your background before Peltor?

I have over 22 years’ experience working for both distribution and manufacturers in the safety industry. I am now proud to be working at 3M as a Peltor Hearing and Communications Specialist. I am a big football fan and a season ticket holder at Bristol City.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

The most challenging part of the role is definitely working during the current pandemic. Prior to Covid-19, the communication equipment could easily be demonstrated at a customer’s site and the end user could experience the solution first hand. Trying to explain the benefits to someone who has never used communications on site previously is difficult. The Try Before You Buy no obligation trial has certainly never been more in demand.

And the most rewarding?

The most rewarding aspect is keeping key workers safe, protected and at work during these unprecedented times. Knowing that 3M Peltor communication solutions are helping to reduce the all-important R rate is very satisfying.

Developing strong relationships with our suppliers is of paramount importance to Radiocoms. This allows us to deliver to you, our clients tailor-made, innovative communication solutions that can support your business now and in the future. Working in conjunction with Peltor we can offer a trial and test before you commit, ensuring the right headset is chosen for your noise environments.