Noise-induced hearing loss: Choosing the proper protection for your team

Noise is one of the most common workplace hazards, with over 2 million UK employees subjected to unacceptable levels of noise on the job. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that 17,000 people in the UK experience work-related deafness, tinnitus, or other ear conditions – with many sustaining permanent and irreversible hearing damage. Because noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) develops gradually, its effects often go unnoticed until it’s too late. 

NIHL is caused by prolonged or repeated exposure to loud sounds – typically over 85 decibels (dB). Its impact is felt across a range of industries, from busy manufacturing lines and warehouses to construction sites and even school rehearsal halls. While hearing issues can be caused by sudden, intense noises, most cases are linked to daily exposure to intrusive noises like machinery, agricultural equipment, or loud music. 

The first step in protecting your team’s hearing health is controlling noise at source. A noise risk assessment – conducted by your Opus consultant – pinpoints exposure levels within your workplace. Among other key indicators, your noise survey will gauge whether your employees: 

• Spend most of their day working around intrusive noise, such as machinery, traffic, or chatter in a crowded restaurant. 
• Need to raise their voice to have a conversation when standing about two metres apart. 
• Use loud power tools or machinery for over 30 minutes a day. 
• Are regularly subjected to impact noises, such as hammering, drilling, and metal stamping – or explosive sources like detonators or guns. 
• Experience muffled hearing after work, even if it returns to normal the next morning. 

With an accurate measure of exposure across your business, your consultant will recommend a tailored noise management programme, typically spanning engineering controls, staff training, health surveillance, and possibly personal protective equipment (PPE).

PPE should always be your last line of defence – used only when practical control measures (like quieter equipment, noise screens, or job rotation) can’t reduce noise to a safe level. Once you’ve identified that hearing protection is needed, the next step is choosing the right type for your workforce. 

This blog outlines your options and ensures you make an informed decision.

The right protection at the right time 

When it comes to selecting noise reduction PPE, there are three basic types to consider. Speak to your Opus consultant to decide which options are best for your team:    

Earplugs

These small inserts fit directly into the ear canal to block sound. They work best for continuous noise exposure and when using other types of PPE. When worn correctly, the hearing protection should reduce exposure levels at the user's ear to a safe range of 70 dB to 80 dB.

Options include:  

• Disposable foam earplugs for single use.
• Reusable, washable, pre-moulded earplugs for regular use.
• Musicians’ earplugs with acoustic filters, ideal for a school environment.
• Custom-moulded earplugs shaped to fit workers’ ears. These provide the highest protection and are suitable for long-term use.

Best practice tip: Earplugs only protect when they completely block the ear canal. Train your team on correct insertion techniques for a snug, comfortable seal, deep within the ear.

***

Earmuffs

Earmuffs block sound waves by covering the entire outer ear with cushioned cups, sealed against the head. They’re an ideal choice for intermittent noise exposure and cold environments – and for workers who frequently remove and replace their hearing protection.

Options include:

• Standard earmuffs with adjustable headbands for everyday industrial use.
• Helmet-mounted earmuffs that attach directly to hard hats.
• Electronic earmuffs to amplify speech and warning signals.
• High-attenuation earmuffs for extremely loud environments.

Best practice tip: Ensure the ear cushions form a complete seal around the ears. Even a small gap from eyewear, hair, or a hard hat strap can significantly reduce protection.

***

Canal caps

Canal caps feature small earplugs connected by a flexible headband. They sit just inside the ear canal and suit workers who regularly remove and reinsert their hearing protection.

Options include:

• Soft foam or silicone plugs on a band – ideal for short-term use.
• Filtered canal caps that filter out harmful noise while allowing speech and warning sounds to be heard.
• Adjustable headband versions to ensure a comfortable fit for different users.

Best practice tip: Position the headband so plugs stay firmly in the ear canal throughout any task – and always check the seal before entering noisy areas.

The CUFF approach: Keeping PPE in peak condition  

Even the best equipment won’t work if it’s not used or maintained properly. While it’s your responsibility to provide quality PPE, your team needs to understand how to use it correctly, recognise faults, and report them promptly. They should also know how and where to access replacements. 

The CUFF approach is a simple four-step method to broaden accountability and keep your hearing protection effective and compliant:

• Condition – Inspect equipment regularly for wear, cracks, damage, and hygiene issues.
• Use – Train staff on when and how to use their hearing protection.
• Fit the ear – Check that the protection fits correctly and provides a proper seal.
• Fit for purpose – Ensure the type and level of protection match the specific task.

Download our free whitepaper to protect your workers’ hearing health 

Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent but preventable. By aligning with an expert to assess noise exposure, prioritise engineering controls, and select suitable protection for every job, you can maintain compliance and safeguard staff hearing health. 

Our latest whitepaper – Protecting against noise-induced hearing loss: Choosing the proper protection for your team – delivers practical advice to reduce noise levels and exposure, and create a safe, supportive working environment. Inside, you’ll find: 

• An overview of NIHL and its hidden impact on your business. 
• A rundown of your legal responsibilities. 
• Clear explanations of action and limit values. 
• Tips on maximising personal protective equipment. 
• Best practices to make long-term hearing health a team effort. 
• Proactive steps to cut risks and drive behavioural change. 

DOWNLOAD NOW 

Questions? Talk to the Opus team 

For guidance on noise risk assessments, bespoke reduction measures, and people-focused PPE solutions, speak to the Opus team at hello@opus-safety.co.uk or 0330 043 4015.