Hearing protection

How to protect yourself?

To choose the correct product for hearing protection.

  • Identify the nature of the noise: stable, fluctuating, intermittent, pulse.
  • Measure the noise at the working station: intensity (dB) and volume (Hz).
  • Determine the exposure time.
  • Calculate the reduction necessary to return to an acceptable ambient level (cf Directive 2003/10/CE).

 

directive 2003/10/CE

 

The performance of the hearing protector (its attenuation level) must be adapted to the risk assessment of the workplace. It should bring the noise level to a level that is not harmful to health, while avoiding overprotection would cut the operator from his environment (warnings, communication...).

 

Attenuation values for noise

Valeur d'atténuation par niveau sonore

How do you use the attenuation values?

3 indicators, from the simplest to the most precise are made available to the user:

  • SNR (Single Number Rating): Single average value of attenuation.
  • HML : Attenuation values expressed in terms of average levels of frequency:
    • H : Attenuation of PPE at high frequencies (pitched noises)
    • M : Attenuation of PPE at medium frequencies
    • L : Attenuation of PPE at low frequencies (bass sounds)
  • APV (Assumed Protection Value) : Attenuation values expressed on 8 specific frequency levels (see the data sheet of the hearing protector).  

 

 

Wearing rate

Taux de port

 

 

Level of noise

Niveau sonore

 

 

Ear defenders

Casques antibruit

 

 

Earplugs

Bouchons d'oreille

 

Protection auditive Delta Plus