04 December 2020 Hearing Protection Guide: How To Choose The Right Earplugs & Earmuffs For Work
ABL Workplace Safety Guide
Hearing Protection Guide: Earplugs, Earmuffs & Workplace Noise Safety
Learn when noise becomes harmful, how to choose the right hearing protection, what SLC80 and Class ratings mean, and how earplugs and earmuffs help protect workers from permanent hearing damage.
Why Hearing Protection Matters
Hearing loss is one of the most common yet preventable workplace injuries. Loud machinery, tools, impact noise, industrial equipment and repeated exposure to hazardous noise can permanently damage hearing over time.
Hearing loss can affect communication, concentration, awareness of warning signals and overall quality of life. The right hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, helps reduce noise exposure while still allowing workers to remain aware of their surroundings.
When Does Noise Become Harmful?
Workplace noise becomes hazardous when it reaches levels that may damage hearing. In Australia, the workplace noise exposure standard is based on an average noise level of 85 dB(A) over 8 hours or a peak noise level of 140 dB(C).
Noise above 85 dB(A) can contribute to hearing loss over time. Sudden peak noise, such as explosions or impact noise, can cause immediate damage if it exceeds safe limits.
Noise Exposure Time Guide
The louder the noise, the less time a worker can be exposed before the risk increases. The table below is a general guide only. Actual workplace noise should be assessed properly before selecting hearing protection.
| Noise Level | Approximate Maximum Exposure Time | Example Noise Source |
|---|---|---|
| 80 dB | 16 hours | Busy traffic, loud radio, ringing telephone |
| 85 dB | 8 hours | Band saw, noisy workshop |
| 88 dB | 4 hours | Heavy traffic, industrial equipment |
| 91 dB | 2 hours | Lawn mower or similar machinery |
| 94 dB | 1 hour | Power tools |
| 97 dB | 30 minutes | Tractor or workshop equipment |
| 100 dB | 15 minutes | Angle grinder or loud machinery |
| 103 dB | 7.5 minutes | Very loud industrial machinery |
| 106 dB | 3.8 minutes | Bulldozer or heavy equipment |
| 109 dB | 1.9 minutes | High noise industrial equipment |
| 112 dB | 57 seconds | Jackhammer or impact noise |
| 115 dB | 28.8 seconds | Very loud impact or equipment noise |
| 120 dB+ | Seconds | Chainsaws, blasting, gunshot or jet engine noise |
Important: This table is a general guide only. Noise levels vary between equipment, worksites and operating conditions. Workplaces should assess actual noise exposure and select hearing protection based on measured risk.
Signs Your Workplace May Have Hazardous Noise
You may need a noise assessment if:
- Workers need to raise their voice to talk at arm’s length.
- Workers experience ringing in the ears after a shift.
- Workers have temporary hearing difficulty after leaving the area.
- Power tools, machinery, compressors, grinders or impact tools are used regularly.
- Warning signals are difficult to hear over background noise.
- Workers are exposed to sudden loud impact or explosive sounds.
How To Choose The Right Hearing Protection
Hearing protection should reduce noise to a safer level without overprotecting the worker so much that warning signals, instructions or surrounding hazards cannot be heard.
Before choosing earplugs or earmuffs, identify who is exposed, what noise levels they are exposed to, how long they are exposed, and whether the hearing protection is compatible with other PPE such as hard hats, face shields, safety glasses or respirators.
1
Measure The Noise
Use a workplace noise assessment to understand actual exposure levels.
2
Check The Rating
Choose hearing protection with a suitable SLC80 rating or Class for the noise level.
3
Check Fit & Comfort
Protection only works when worn correctly and consistently.
4
Check Compatibility
Make sure it works with hard hats, safety glasses, respirators and other PPE.
Understanding SLC80, Class & NRR
SLC80
SLC80 stands for Sound Level Conversion and is used in Australia and New Zealand to show the estimated noise reduction provided by a hearing protector for 80% of users under test conditions.
Class Rating
Class ratings group hearing protectors from Class 1 to Class 5, with Class 1 being lower protection and Class 5 being higher protection.
NRR
NRR is used in the United States. It is not the preferred rating system for selecting hearing protection in Australia because it is based on a different testing method.
Hearing Protection Class Guide
The Class method gives a simple way to choose hearing protection based on the workplace noise level. Always confirm the product rating on the packaging and match it to your workplace noise assessment.
| Class | SLC80 Range | Suitable Noise Range | General Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | 10–13 dB | Less than 90 dB(A) | Lower noise environments |
| Class 2 | 14–17 dB | 90 to less than 95 dB(A) | Moderate workplace noise |
| Class 3 | 18–21 dB | 95 to less than 100 dB(A) | Power tools and machinery |
| Class 4 | 22–25 dB | 100 to less than 105 dB(A) | Very loud industrial work |
| Class 5 | 26 dB or greater | 105 to less than 110 dB(A) | High noise environments |
Earplugs vs Earmuffs: Which Should You Choose?
Both earplugs and earmuffs can provide effective hearing protection when selected, fitted and worn correctly. The best option depends on the noise level, work environment, comfort, hygiene, PPE compatibility and how often workers need to remove and reapply protection.
Earplugs
- Lightweight and compact
- Suitable for continuous wear
- Often comfortable in hot environments
- Can work well under helmets and face shields
- Available in disposable, corded and reusable styles
- Must be inserted correctly to achieve protection
Earmuffs
- Easy to put on and remove
- Good for intermittent noisy tasks
- Simple to visually check for compliance
- Available in headband and helmet-mounted styles
- Can be more comfortable for some workers
- Seal can be affected by safety glasses, hair or poor fit
Common Workplace Noise Examples
The examples below are general only. Actual noise levels can vary depending on equipment condition, distance, environment and operating method.
80 dBBusy traffic, loud radio
85 dBBand saw, noisy workshop
90 dBLawn mower
96–98 dBTractor or electric drill
105 dBBulldozer or heavy machinery
110 dB+Blasting or impact tools
120 dBChainsaw
130–140 dBGunshot or jet engine
Hearing Protection Product Options
ABL Distribution supplies a range of workplace hearing protection options including disposable earplugs, corded earplugs, reusable earplugs, headband earmuffs and industrial Class 5 earmuffs.
3M #1100 Plain Earplugs
Soft disposable foam earplugs with a smooth dirt-resistant surface and bright orange colour for easier visibility checks. SLC80 rating 21dB.
E-A-Rsoft Neon Foam Earplugs
Soft, slow-recovery foam earplugs designed for comfort and effective noise reduction. Regular size to suit most ear canals. Class 4, 23dB.
3M #1110 Corded Plain Earplugs
Corded disposable foam earplugs with a smooth dirt-resistant surface and soft hypoallergenic foam. Bright orange colour helps make safety checks easier. SLC80 rating 21dB.
Viper Earmuffs
Class 5 earmuffs with SLC80 26dB rating, suitable for high-noise environments up to 110dB(A). Lightweight ear cup construction with cushioned comfort for extended wear.
3M H7 Peltor Earmuffs
Versatile high-quality earmuffs designed to suit a wide range of working environments. Available in headband and neckband styles with liquid and foam-filled cushions.
Hearing Protection Safety Tips
- Choose hearing protection based on workplace noise assessment, not guesswork.
- Check the SLC80 rating or Class on the product packaging.
- Train workers on how to correctly fit and wear earplugs or earmuffs.
- Ensure hearing protection is comfortable enough to be worn consistently.
- Check compatibility with hard hats, safety glasses, respirators and face shields.
- Replace disposable earplugs regularly and keep reusable protection clean.
- Inspect earmuff cushions for cracks, stiffness or poor sealing.
- Do not rely on hearing protection alone if noise can be reduced at the source.
- Make sure workers can still hear important warning signals where required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What noise level requires hearing protection?
In Australia, workplace noise exposure must not exceed 85 dB(A) averaged over 8 hours or a peak noise level of 140 dB(C). Hearing protection may be required when noise cannot be reduced below safe exposure levels.
What is SLC80?
SLC80 is an Australian/New Zealand hearing protection rating that estimates the amount of noise reduction achieved by a hearing protector for 80% of users under test conditions.
What is the difference between Class 1 and Class 5 hearing protection?
Class 1 provides lower attenuation for lower noise environments, while Class 5 provides higher attenuation for louder environments. The correct class should be selected based on workplace noise levels.
Are earplugs or earmuffs better?
Neither is always better. Earplugs are compact and suitable for continuous wear, while earmuffs are easier to put on and remove. The right choice depends on noise level, comfort, fit, hygiene and PPE compatibility.
Can workers wear earplugs and earmuffs together?
Yes, dual protection may be used in very high noise environments, but it should be selected carefully as part of a workplace noise control program.
Is NRR used in Australia?
NRR is a United States rating system. In Australia, hearing protection should be selected using Australian/New Zealand information such as SLC80 and Class ratings.
How often should earmuffs be replaced?
Earmuffs should be inspected regularly. Replace them if cushions are cracked, hardened, damaged, dirty, poorly sealing or if the headband no longer provides correct pressure.
Do workers still need to hear warning signals?
Yes. Hearing protection should reduce hazardous noise while still allowing workers to hear essential communication and warning signals where required.
Need Help Choosing Hearing Protection?
ABL Distribution supplies earplugs, earmuffs, Class 5 hearing protection and workplace PPE for construction, manufacturing, warehousing, mining, landscaping, agriculture and industrial worksites.
Contact ABL Distribution
