Hearing Protection & Noise Defence Solutions.
Hearing protection is used to reduce exposure to hazardous noise levels in an occupational environment, this can vary from construction, to military, emergency services to ground handling, for example.
Hearing protection ranges from single-user passive devices to team-wide systems that allow wearers to communicate with each other while remaining protected.
What is hearing protection?
- Hearing protection is worn over or in the ear to reduce the level of sound reaching the eardrum, limiting the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) or acoustic trauma.
- They are used to protect workers and personnel operating in environments where noise levels exceed safe exposure limits, as defined by the UK’s Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.
- The level of protection achieved depends on the correct fit, consistent wear, and the suitability of the selected headset for the specific noise environment.
- They are available in passive and active variants, with form factors including ear plugs, ear defenders, and communication capable headsets.
- Active hearing protection headsets often incorporate radio communication, ambient sound monitoring, and electronic noise cancellation to support operational requirements alongside protection.
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Scope and function of hearing protection.
Hearing protection systems range from standalone attenuation devices to integrated headsets forming part of a wider communications and/or safety PPE.
Core device functions include:
- Noise attenuation: Reduces sound pressure levels reaching the ear, rated by SNR (Single Number Rating) or NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) – higher values indicate greater attenuation.
- Passive protection: Foam or pre-moulded ear plugs and cup-style ear defenders that block noise through physical material and seal quality alone.
- Active noise reduction (ANR): Electronic systems that use microphones and processing to cancel or suppress continuous background noise, commonly used in aviation and military environments.
- Level-dependent protection: Allows ambient sound below a set threshold to pass through while automatically suppressing impulse noise such as gunfire or machinery strikes – used in defence, law enforcement, and heavy industry.
- Integrated communication: Headsets that combine hearing protection with radio or intercom connectivity, enabling team communication without removing the headset.
Safety, compliance, and performance standards of hearing protection in the UK.
The performance of hearing protection is governed by a combination of regulatory requirements and independent certification standards here in the UK. Depending on the product and deployment environment, this will include:
- BS EN certification (EU/UK standard) covering ear plugs, ear defenders, and communication headsets which sets the requirements for design, testing, and performance.
- SNR or HML rating, which is declared by the manufacturer, this provides data on the sound attenuation and is verified through independent testing.
- Compatibility with specific environments, for example, ATEX-rated where explosive atmospheres are present.
How is hearing protection used?
Hearing protection is used across a wide range of market sectors where occupational noise exposure is a concern. Here are some typical examples:
- Construction and infrastructure: ear defenders and plugs worn during operation of power tools, groundworks, and demolition to meet Control of Noise at Work obligations.
- Manufacturing and heavy industry: level-dependent or ANR headsets used on production lines, in engine test facilities, and around heavy plant industries where continuous noise exceeds 85dB(A).
- Defence and law enforcement: electronic level-dependent headsets protecting against impulse noise from firearms and explosives while maintaining situational awareness and radio communication.
- Emergency response and fire services: communication headsets integrated with radio systems, providing protection in high-noise incident environments while keeping fireground crews connected.
- Aviation and ground operations: noise cancelling headsets and communication headsets used by flight crew, ground handlers, and maintenance personnel operating around an aircraft.
Radiocoms is an Authorised Distributor for 3M Peltor, a leading hearing protection manufacturer. More details can be found here.
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