Hearing Protection Safety Guide

How to Select, Fit, and Maintain Hearing Protection

Excessive noise is one of the most common causes of permanent hearing loss in the workplace. Protecting your ears is not just about comfort; it’s about preserving your hearing for life. Follow this guide to select and use hearing protection that meets Australian Standards.

Initial Safety Checks

Identify noise hazards in your work area.
Measure or confirm noise levels; any exposure over 85 dB(A) requires protection.
Select the correct hearing protection for the noise level and task.
Inspect earmuffs or earplugs before each use for cleanliness and condition.

Tip: Hearing damage is irreversible even short exposure to high noise can cause lasting harm.

Choosing the Right Hearing Protection

Different noise levels and tasks require different types of hearing protectors. Select the appropriate protection according to noise exposure, comfort, and environment.

Task or Noise Level	Recommended Protection
Continuous noise up to 95 dB(A)	Foam or reusable earplugs
Continuous noise up to 100 dB(A)	Class 4 earmuffs or combined protection
Impulse or impact noise	Earmuffs with high peak attenuation
Intermittent noise or communication needs	Electronic earmuffs with level-dependent microphones
Confined or hot environments	Lightweight, vented earplugs

If in doubt, choose protectors offering a slightly higher attenuation class but ensure they don’t over-isolate, which can reduce situational awareness.

Understanding Standards & Ratings

All hearing protectors sold in Australia must comply with AS/NZS 1270:2002 Acoustics: Hearing protectors.

This standard classifies protectors by Class 1 to 5, where higher numbers indicate greater noise attenuation.

Class	Approx. Noise Reduction (dB)	Typical Use
Class 1	10 – 13 dB	Low-noise areas
Class 2	14 – 17 dB	Moderate noise exposure
Class 3	18 – 21 dB	Heavy industrial areas
Class 4	22 – 25 dB	Very noisy environments
Class 5	26 dB +	Extreme noise (e.g., aircraft, heavy plant)

Products and packaging must display the class rating and standard mark (AS/NZS 1270).

Ear Muffs

Ear Plugs

Ear Protection Accessories

How to Fit and Wear Hearing Protection

Earplugs (foam or reusable)

Roll foam plugs into a small, crease-free cylinder.
Reach over your head with the opposite hand and gently pull the ear upward.
Insert the plug and hold until it expands to seal the ear canal.
Test the seal, you should notice a dulling of surrounding sounds.

Earmuffs

Place cups over your ears, ensuring the cushions fully seal against your head.
Adjust the headband so it sits snugly on the crown, not pressing too tightly.
Remove hair, jewelry, or eyewear that breaks the seal.
Replace cushions if they become cracked, stiff, or misshapen.

Care, Maintenance & Replacement

Clean earplugs regularly or dispose of single-use plugs after each use.
Wipe earmuff cushions with mild soap and water.
Store hearing protectors in a clean, dry area away from extreme temperatures.
Replace cushions or plugs when hygiene or performance is compromised.
Always follow the manufacturer’s service life recommendations.

Training and Awareness

Ensure all workers are trained to:

Recognize noise hazards and required protection levels.
Fit and wear earplugs and earmuffs correctly.
Maintain and clean their hearing protection.
Report damaged or missing PPE immediately.

Encourage a culture of consistent hearing protection use.

Quick Daily Check

Noise levels identified and measured
Correct class of protection selected
Earmuffs/earplugs are clean and in good condition
Seal intact, and a comfortable fit achieved
PPE is replaced when worn or contaminated

Noise-induced hearing loss is 100% preventable but only if you wear the right protection consistently and correctly. Always check the class rating, ensure a proper fit, and replace your PPE when worn.