5 things to consider when choosing a Hearing Protection ...

WHAT 5 THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A HEARING PROTECTION DEVICE VENDOR

Ensuring the best fit for hearing protection in your company involves more than just finding a decent product. It's essential to understand the various factors that contribute to protecting your workforce efficiently.

According to CCOHS & OHS-

Employees should utilize a hearing protector if workplace noise exceeds 85 decibels (A-weighted) or dB (A). These protectors lower noise exposure and reduce the risk of hearing loss.

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A proper Hearing Loss Prevention Program is required where hearing protection is needed. This includes noise assessment, employee training, hearing protection selection, audiometric testing, maintenance, inspection, record-keeping, and program evaluation.

The effectiveness of hearing protectors diminishes significantly if they do not fit well or are worn only part-time during noise exposure. They should remain unaltered to keep their efficacy.

Remember that radio headsets cannot replace hearing protectors and should not be used in noisy environments where proper protection is required.

Here are 5 critical factors to consider when choosing a hearing protection provider:

Consider these questions:

Does the Vendor:

1. Meet the standard requirements?
2. Ensure the quality of the product?
3. Offer excellent customer and after-sales service?
4. Guarantee comfort and wearability?
5. Provide a warranty and product guarantee?

1. Standards and Requirements When Choosing HPDs

USA Hearing Protection Standard

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is widely recognized in the US market. The ANSI/S12.6-2016 standard outlines the laboratory-based methods for measuring the real-ear attenuation of hearing protectors, vital for noise safety when noise cannot be adequately reduced through engineering.

Canadian Hearing Protection Standard

In Canada, the CSA Z94.2 standard provides guidance on selecting and using hearing protection. This approach, aligned with US standards, offers health and safety professionals the reliable information they need for due diligence in hearing protection selection.

Measurement criteria include:

• Attenuation – the difference in sensation levels with and without protectors
• Comfort – no official standard yet
• Insertion loss – the difference between noise levels inside and outside the Acoustic Test Fixture (ATF).

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Suggested reading: The History of Ear Plugs

2. Quality of Product

The market has numerous options, from ear muffs and disposables to custom hearing protection. However, quality is primarily evaluated through adequate protection and communication safety. Personalized fitting is essential as every ear is unique in size and shape. Custom hearing protection ensures the ear is sealed correctly for maximum efficacy and comfort.

A thorough fitting process involves inspecting the ear, using an oto-dam to protect the eardrum, and taking an impression of the ear canal. Custom hearing devices like the dB Blocker™ facilitate communication in noisy environments without needing to remove the protection, thus enhancing productivity.

3. Customer and After Service

Effective customer service is key. Ensure the vendor addresses inquiries promptly and provides live support to answer questions. Look into the vendor’s corporate values, processes for product replacements and returns, availability of a 1-800 number, and ease of ordering additional HPDs online.

4. Comfort & Wear

Fit and comfort guarantees are crucial, as they ensure compliance and safety. Check for any FIT Warranty that guarantees proper sealing and comfort, significantly reducing the risk of workplace harm and enhancing Hearing Loss Prevention Programs.

5. Warranty & Product Guarantee

Investing in HPDs is an investment in employees' health and safety. Evaluate the duration of the warranty, which typically ranges from 1-3 years for custom HPDs, and whether it covers tearing, cracking, or splitting. A straightforward warranty claim process with accessible support is essential.

By considering these five factors, selecting an HPD manufacturer becomes simpler, ensuring better protection for your employees.

For more details on choosing an HPD vendor, feel free to contact us, and our representatives will gladly assist you.

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