Hearing Bands

– These are soft pods attached to a lightweight headband. They can be taken off and put back on easily. When not in use, the band can hang around the neck. This makes headbands the ideal choice for workers who are going in and out between areas where hearing protection is needed and areas where it is not. To insert, simply hold the end of the pod and wiggle it into the ear canal. As with the foam earplugs it might help to reach around and pull the ear up and out to straighten the ear canal. The pods are replaceable.

Hearing bands can be used over and over. Clean the pods with soap and water. Do not bend the rigid band as it is pre-molded to provide tension to keep the pods in place.

 

Earmuffs– This is a “cup” that fits over the whole ear that is attached to a band. The cup seals over the ear to muffle the sound. Bands are often adjustable to fit different size heads. In order to be effective, there must be nothing interfering with the seal. Make sure that the pad is directly against the skin all the way around each ear and that there is no hair interfering with the seal.
Clean with soap and water. Many earmuffs are available in a standard version, a behind-the-head version or a cap-mounted version that clips into the slots in the hard hat.

 

Metal Detectable Earplugs

– These can be foam or pre-molded earplugs used primarily in the food industry in order to make sure that lost earplugs don’t contaminate the product. It usually consists of a small metal BB that is inserted in the earplug when it is being made.

Custom Molded Earplugs – This option involves making a mold of the individual ear and then making a custom earplug specifically designed for the user. They are extremely comfortable as they fit perfectly.

Electronic Earmuffs – There are many different types of electronic earmuffs.

• “Tunes” Earmuffs – This is an earmuff with a built-in radio. Similar earmuffs are available with plug-ins for MP3 players, CD players, etc…
• Tactical Earmuffs
  – This earmuff amplifies the warning signals and speech while “shutting off” all noises over 82 dBA.
• Push-to-listen – These are regular earmuffs with a push button that cancels out the effect of the earmuff temporarily allowing you to hear co-workers, directions or anything else you might need to hear, without removing the earmuffs.
• Communication Headsets – These headsets are designed to be used with radios and other communication systems either in a wired version or in a wireless style.

 

 

Hearing Loss due to exposure to noise is preventable. If not prevented, it is permanent. Do allow the sounds of life to be stolen from you. Protect yourself!