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

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

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most prevalent occupational diseases in the UK, affecting tens of thousands of workers across a wide range of industries. In the builders' merchant sector, common sources of excessive noise include power tools, machinery, delivery vehicles, and busy trading environments.

Despite being entirely preventable, NIHL is permanent and irreversible. Once hearing is damaged by noise exposure, it cannot be restored. This makes choosing the right hearing protection – and ensuring it is correctly fitted and used – critically important.

Understanding the regulations

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 set out employers' duties in relation to noise exposure. Key requirements include:

• Assessing the risks to workers from noise at work
• Taking action to reduce noise exposure at source, using the hierarchy of controls
• Providing personal hearing protection where noise exposure cannot be adequately controlled
• Ensuring hearing protection zones are identified and marked
• Providing information, instruction, and training to workers
• Carrying out health surveillance for workers at risk

The lower exposure action value (LEV) is 80 dB(A), at which point employers must make hearing protection available and provide information and training. The upper exposure action value (UEV) is 85 dB(A), at which point hearing protection must be provided and its use enforced.

Types of hearing protection

The two main categories of hearing protection are earplugs and earmuffs:

Earplugs

Earplugs are inserted into the ear canal and can provide high levels of attenuation in a compact, lightweight form. They are available in a range of formats, including:

• Disposable foam earplugs (expand to fill the ear canal)
• Pre-moulded earplugs (reusable, come in standard sizes)
• Banded earplugs (connected by a flexible band for easy removal)
• Custom-moulded earplugs (individually moulded to the wearer's ears)

Disposable foam earplugs tend to offer high levels of protection but must be correctly inserted to be effective. Custom-moulded earplugs offer a secure, consistent fit and can be more comfortable for long-term wear.

Earmuffs

Earmuffs cover the entire outer ear and are held in place by a headband. They are available in standard and specialist formats, including:

• Standard headband earmuffs
• Helmet-mounted earmuffs (for use with safety helmets)
• Electronic earmuffs (which attenuate harmful noise while allowing normal speech to pass through)

Earmuffs are generally easier to fit correctly than earplugs and can be more suitable for intermittent use, as they are easy to remove and replace.

Selecting the right hearing protection

When selecting hearing protection, employers should consider:

• The level of protection required: The hearing protection should provide sufficient attenuation to reduce the worker's exposure to below the lower exposure action value.
• Compatibility with other PPE: Earmuffs may not seal correctly if worn with safety glasses or a hard hat. Where workers wear multiple items of PPE, compatibility must be checked.
• Comfort and wearability: Hearing protection that is uncomfortable or inconvenient to wear is less likely to be used correctly. Involving workers in the selection of hearing protection can improve compliance.
• The work environment: In noisy environments where communication is important, electronic earmuffs or level-dependent hearing protection may be appropriate.

Health surveillance

Health surveillance for noise – typically regular audiometry tests – is required where there is a risk of workers developing NIHL. Audiometry helps to identify any early signs of hearing loss, enabling early intervention and preventing further damage.

The same duty applies to vibration. Where workers regularly use vibrating tools, the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 require health surveillance, and the trigger is daily exposure at or above the exposure action value. You can work out your team's daily vibration exposure with our free calculator to see whether they cross that threshold.

If you would like support with your noise risk assessment, hearing protection selection, or health surveillance programme, our occupational health and safety specialists are here to help. Get in touch today.