Hearing Protection - Standards Explained

A variety of European and national standards apply to hearing protection products. The EN 352 suite of European standards is divided into eight parts, each of which specifies requirements for a specific product type or function. Hearing protectors are also commonly used in accordance with American and Australian/New Zealand standards. Continue reading to learn more about global hearing protection product performance, testing, and safety standards. Hearing protection (EN 352-1) General specifications. Earmuffs/Ear Defenders This European standard specifies the specifications for earmuffs, also known as ear defenders. Products are tested for sizing and adjustability before being classified into one of three size ranges (small, medium, or large). Other tests include ignitability and resistance to drop damage. Ear defenders are evaluated for headband force and cushion pressure, as well as comfort, fit, and performance. Finally, tests for insertion loss and attenuation determine the noise level against which the hearing protector is suitable for use, along with an evaluation of the change in headband force following a stretching procedure designed to simulate heavy wear, to ensure performance is maintained throughout use. Based on their attenuation performance, hearing protectors are assigned a 'SNR' value, which can be used to select and confirm the correct selection of hearing protection products following the appropriate risk assessments. The standard requires that ear defenders come with detailed instructions for use, including the SNR level and other attenuation information. Hearing protection (EN 352-2) General specifications. Earplugs. The second section of EN 352 specifies earplug requirements. Product sizing and adjustability are evaluated, and banded plugs are classified into one of three size ranges (small, medium, or large) and tested accordingly. Reusable earplugs must also be cleaned, ensuring that the earplugs are not damaged and that attenuation performance is maintained. Other tests include ignitability and resistance to drop damage. The noise level against which the earplugs are suitable for use is determined by minimum attenuation testing. Based on their attenuation performance, hearing protectors are assigned a 'SNR' level, which can be used to select and confirm the correct selection of hearing protection products following the appropriate risk assessments. The standard requires that earplugs come with detailed instructions for use, including the SNR level and other attenuation information. Hearing protection (EN 352-3). General specifications. Earmuffs worn in conjunction with head or face protection. This standard specifies the specifications for ear defenders that are attached to a safety helmet or faceshield, also known as mounted ear defenders. Products are tested for sizing and adjustability before being classified into one of three size ranges (small, medium, or large). Other tests include ignitability and resistance to drop damage. Ear defenders are evaluated for headband force and cushion pressure, as well as comfort, fit, and performance. Finally, tests for insertion loss and attenuation determine the noise level against which the hearing protector is suitable for use, along with an evaluation of the change in headband force following a stretching procedure designed to simulate heavy wear, to ensure performance is maintained throughout use. With mounted ear defenders, testing is still referred to as 'headband force' — the safety helmet or faceshield and attachments act as the headband, creating and maintaining the appropriate force to create a seal around the ears. This is why it is critical to choose products that have been tested and certified as compatible. Based on their attenuation performance, hearing protectors are assigned a 'SNR' rating, which can be used to select and confirm the correct selection of hearing protection products following the appropriate risk assessments. The standard requires that ear defenders come with detailed instructions for use, including the SNR level and other attenuation information, as well as guidance on which helmets and/or faceshields can be used with the ear defenders. EN 352-4 - Hearing protection devices. Prerequisites for safety. Earmuffs with adjustable volume. The fourth section of EN 352 specifies the specifications for level-dependent ear defenders. These hearing protectors include an electronic sound restoration circuit that allows the wearer to hear external sounds such as speech and warnings while attenuating high-level noise. Ear defenders must meet EN 352-1 or EN 352-3, depending on the level. In order to establish criterion levels, the testing results must also be evaluated to determine performance based on three parameters, H, M, and L. The criterion level requirements differ between products designed solely to protect against impulse-type noise risks and those that can also be used in continuous high noise environments. Only products for impulse noise: - The minimum criterion level (H) is 85 decibels (A) - The minimum criterion level (M) is 85 decibels (A) - The minimum criterion level (L) is 85 decibels (A) Products for both impulse and continuous noise: - The minimum criterion level (H) is 97 decibels (A) - The minimum criterion level (M) is 96 decibels (A) - The minimum criterion level (L) is 94 decibels (A) Level-dependent ear defender markings adhere to EN 352-1 or EN 352-3, as applicable. The manufacturer's instructions include information on how to use the level-dependent function and batteries, as well as the criterion levels for a hearing protector. Hearing protection (EN 352-5). Prerequisites for safety. Earmuffs with active noise reduction. This standard applies to active noise reduction (ANR) ear defenders, defining construction, design, and performance requirements for the active noise reduction facility. These hearing protectors use a noise cancellation circuit to provide additional attenuation of external sounds and can be useful in low frequency dominated high noise environments. Markings adhere to EN 352-1 or EN 352-3, as applicable. Instructions must detail the highest level of external test noise for which the ANR circuit is operating correctly, as well as battery information. Hearing protection (EN 352-6). Prerequisites for safety. Earmuffs with audio input for safety. This standard specifies the safety requirements for ear defenders with a safety-related audio input. These products provide information in the form of speech and warning signals while attenuating high-level noise. Hearing protectors that meet this standard must also meet EN 352-1 or EN 352-3, depending on the application. Products are also tested for audio feature sound output level and criterion input signal. Marking adheres to EN 352-1 or EN 352-3, as applicable. The product comes with instructions and information such as the criterion input signal, sound output levels, and safe usage time information. Hearing protection (EN 352-7). Prerequisites for safety. Earplugs with adjustable volume. Part 7 of EN 352 specifies the requirements for level-dependent earplugs with an electronic sound restoration circuit. These earplugs allow the wearer to hear external sounds such as speech and warnings while attenuating high-level noise. Level-dependent ear plugs must comply with EN 352-2, and testing results must also be evaluated to determine performance based on three parameters, H, M, and L, in order to establish criterion levels. The criterion level requirements differ between products designed solely to protect against impulse-type noise risks and those that can also be used in continuous high noise environments. Only products for impulse noise: - The minimum criterion level (H) is 85 decibels (A) - The minimum criterion level (M) is 85 decibels (A) - The minimum criterion level (L) is 85 decibels (A) Products for both impulse and continuous noise: - The minimum criterion level (H) is 97 decibels (A) - The minimum criterion level (M) is 96 decibels (A) - The minimum criterion level (L) is 94 decibels (A) The markings are in accordance with EN 352-2, and criterion levels are specified in the manufacturer's instructions, along with information on how to use the level-dependent function and batteries. Hearing protection (EN 352-8). Prerequisites for safety. Audio earmuffs for entertainment. This standard specifies the requirements for ear defenders that include a radio receiver, music player, or a function that allows input from external devices. These hearing protectors can also transmit safety information and warnings. The audio signal for entertainment can be transmitted via radio, wire, or wireless connectivity options. Earmuffs for entertainment audio must comply with EN 352-1 or EN 352-2, as applicable, as well as additional requirements for sound pressure levels generated by the entertainment audio feature. The audio entertainment's sound output levels are tested to ensure they do not exceed 82dB. (A). Markings adhere to EN 352-1 or EN 352-3, as applicable. The ear defenders' instructions and information include information about operating and maintaining the products, such as maximum input voltage and how to charge batteries. ANSI S3.19 - Method for measuring hearing protector real-ear protection and ear muff physical attenuation. This American national standard specifies the method for measuring hearing protectors' real-ear protection and ear muffs' physical attenuation. A primary'real-ear' method of testing is used, in which hearing protectors are tested on real subjects, some of whom have fitted their own ear protectors and some who have been 'experimenter fitted,' and a supplementary physical method, which involves testing on a dummy head. The noise reduction rating (NRR) is calculated based on the testing results; this value can be used to select hearing protectors and compare performance. Acoustics (AS/NZS 1270). Hearing protection devices. This Australian/New Zealand standard specifies the design, materials, and performance requirements for conventional hearing protectors. The standard also specifies general requirements and testing procedures for specialist hearing protectors. The results of product testing are used to calculate an SLC80 value. This stands for Sound Level Conversion, which is effective for 80% of wearers. The SLC80 value is also used to classify hearing protectors. The standard specifies the product markings and information that must be included with the hearing protector. Round Up We hope that our top picks have given you an insight to the hearing protection standards and helped to narrow down your search. If you have any queries do not hesitate to contact us.

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