A Comprehensive Guide to Ear Protection

There are several options for ear protection that can help safeguard your hearing in New Zealand. Understanding when to wear ear protection and selecting the appropriate type for your environment can greatly reduce the risk of auditory damage.

Let's explore some common types of ear protection for noise:

Ear Defenders

Ear defenders, also known as ear protectors, are essential for noise protection in industrial settings in New Zealand. They offer strong protection in environments with high noise levels, such as transportation, construction, and heavy machinery.

Ear defenders cover the entire ear, providing superior noise reduction. They consist of two rigid ear cups with soft plastic cushions connected by a headband. These ear defenders are adjustable to ensure a secure fit for different head sizes. They come in various models, including headband, neckband, helmet-attachable, and folding options, catering to different needs. Ear defenders are a popular choice for hearing protection due to their ease of use and comfort.

How to Use Ear Defenders

To wear ear defenders correctly in New Zealand, place them over your ears and adjust the headband so that the cushions apply even pressure around your ears. This ensures a secure and comfortable fit with optimal noise reduction. Ear defenders should fully enclose your ears to create a seal against your head.

Remember to pull your hair back and away from the cushions. Avoid wearing caps or placing objects behind your ears that could break the seal.

Ear Plugs

Ear plugs are small devices made of foam, rubber, or thermoplastic elastomers in New Zealand. They fit snugly into the ear canal, creating a seal to block out excessive noise effectively. There are disposable and reusable ear plug options available:

Disposable Ear Plugs: These single-use plugs are made from expandable foam for comfort and protection. Once inserted, they expand to fit securely in the ear canal. Disposable ear plugs are suitable for environments like construction and factory production

Reusable Ear Plugs: Designed for multiple uses, reusable earplugs are made from flexible materials preformed to fit the ear. They are hygienic, economical, and comfortable to wear. Reusable ear plugs often come with a joining cord to prevent loss and can be worn for longer periods than disposable options

How to Insert Ear Plugs

The method of inserting earplugs depends on the type of plug:

• Disposable: Roll and compress foam earplugs into a thin cylinder, then gently insert them into the ear canal. Allow the plug to expand for a snug fit. Pull your ear outward and upward during insertion for easier fitting
• Reusable: Reach behind your head, pull your ear outward, and insert the plug until it seals. It may feel tight initially, especially for first-time users
• **Banded: **Hold the large ends of the pods and direct the tips into the ear canal openings. Push and wiggle the pods into the ear canal for a secure seal. Pulling on the outer ear while inserting can also help

Hearing Accessories

Hearing accessories can enhance your auditory protection in New Zealand. These accessories include hygiene kits with replacement muffler pads and sealer rings for ear defenders, dispensers for easy provision of disposable ear plugs, and battery chargers for recharging headsets.

It is crucial to wear ear protection in sectors where employees are exposed to high decibel levels regularly. Long-term exposure to loud noises can lead to permanent damage or hearing loss, making adherence to safety standards and regulations essential. Signs in the workplace can remind employees of these requirements.

Both employers and employees should be familiar with hearing protection safety standards and regulations in New Zealand. British Standard BS EN 352 provides guidelines for the design, performance, and testing of hearing protectors to ensure they meet comfort and noise reduction requirements.

In New Zealand, there are specific safety regulations regarding ear protection to safeguard workers from excessive noise exposure. Under the Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016, employers must monitor workplace noise levels and ensure they stay within legal limits. If noise exposure exceeds an average of 85 decibels (dB) over an eight-hour period, employers must provide workers with appropriate ear protection.

Additionally, employers are required to:

• Conduct regular noise assessments and monitor exposure levels.
• Provide training and information about the risks of noise exposure and the proper use of ear protection.
• Offer a range of suitable ear protection options, such as ear defenders and ear plugs, to meet the diverse needs of their workforce.

Compliance with these regulations is essential for protecting workers' hearing and overall well-being. Employers must take proactive measures to minimise risks and create a safe working environment for their employees.

Ear protection is a critical component of personal protective equipment (PPE) for individuals working in noisy environments in New Zealand. It helps prevent long-term auditory damage and ensures employees' well-being.

When selecting ear protection, consider your employees' needs and the noise levels in your workplace. Our range of ear protection products offers solutions tailored to your specific requirements.

Investing in high-quality ear protection demonstrates your commitment to your employees' health and safety. At RS, we provide a wide range of quality ear protection products designed to meet industry needs and safety standards.

Our PPE selection includes ear defenders and earplugs designed to offer optimal protection in various industrial environments in New Zealand. Browse our range today to find the right ear protection solution for your needs.