Selecting the best hearing protection for your needs

With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which style of hearing protection is most suitable for you. Earplugs and earmuffs come in many styles and configurations, including communication headsets, which makes it more important to consider the different factors when selecting hearing protection.

Hearing protectors should be comfortable, easy to use, and should not interfere excessively with your ability to hear. Even the best hearing protectors aren’t as likely to be used if they aren’t convenient and compatible with the work being done and the clothing & other PPE being worn. Woodworkers not only need to be protected from hazardous loud sounds, but also often need to be able to hear and communicate on the job.

Step one – Consider comfort first

Pressure, size, softness, weight and temperature (Are you working in hot humid environments, or in cold windy conditions?) are comfort factors to be considered.

Step two – Factors in ease of use

Hygiene, frequency of removal and replacement, storage and compatibility with other types of protection such as respiratory, eye, face and head protection are all ease-of-use factors to be considered.

Step three – Communication needs

With hearing protection, it comes down to balancing attenuation and situational awareness—the ability to hear what’s going on in the workshop. Level-dependent hearing protectors can help those who report difficulty detecting important sounds and communicating while wearing hearing protection. For those who need to communicate by radio or phone, hearing protectors that connect to external two-way radios, those with built-in radios, and units that pair up to wireless devices make it possible to stay connected and protected at the same time.

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