Even when noise has been reduced as far as possible, some workers may still be exposed to harmful levels. Hearing protection, health surveillance and good training then help to protect their hearing.

In this final module, you will learn when hearing protection is needed and how to use it, how hearing is checked, and the responsibilities of employers and employees. It ends with a recap of the whole course.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• State when hearing protection must be made available, and when it must be worn.
• Select, fit, use and look after hearing protection.
• Describe hearing protection zones, and how they are marked.
• Explain the purpose of health surveillance and hearing checks.
• Summarise the duties of employers and employees.

Where exposure exceeds the lower exposure action value of 80 dB(A), or a peak of 135 dB(C), the employer must make hearing protection available to workers.

Where exposure reaches or exceeds the upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A), or a peak of 137 dB(C), hearing protection must be worn. It is used together with the noise control programme, not instead of it, and it must keep the noise at the ear below the exposure limit value of 87 dB(A).

There are two main types of hearing protection:

• Earplugs, which fit inside the ear canal. They may be disposable foam plugs, reusable plugs, or plugs moulded to fit the wearer.
• Earmuffs, which cover the whole ear, with soft cushions that seal against the head. Some fit onto a safety helmet.

Both types work well when they are suitable for the noise, fitted correctly, and worn all the time in the noise.

Hearing protection must suit the wearer and the work. Consider:

• Enough protection to bring the noise at the ear down to a safe level, based on the noise measured and the manufacturer’s information.
• Not too much protection, which can stop wearers hearing warnings, colleagues or vehicles.
• Comfort and fit. Uncomfortable protection gets taken off, so offer a choice of types and sizes.
• Whether it works with other equipment, such as helmets, glasses and respirators.
• The working conditions, such as heat, dust, dirt and hygiene.

Earplugs only protect you if they are fitted properly. For foam earplugs:

• Make sure your hands are clean.
• Roll the plug between your fingers into a thin, tight cylinder.
• Reach over your head with your other hand, and gently pull the top of your ear up and back.
• Push the plug well into the ear canal, and hold it there while it expands.
• Check the fit. Your own voice should sound muffled.

Hearing protection only works if it is the right type, well fitted, and worn all the time you are in the noise.

• Earmuff cushions must seal fully around the ears. Long hair, hats, earrings and the arms of glasses can break the seal.
• Do not stretch the headband, or wear muffs back to front.
• Keep protection on for the whole time you are in noise. Taking it off, even for a few minutes, greatly reduces the protection you get.

Look after your hearing protection, so it keeps working:

• Check it before each use.
• Replace worn or hardened cushions, and damaged muffs.
• Throw away disposable earplugs after use, or when they are dirty.
• Clean reusable plugs and muffs as the manufacturer instructs.
• Store protection clean and dry, and never share earplugs.
• Report any damage or loss to your supervisor.

Areas where workers are likely to be exposed above the upper exposure action value must be hearing protection zones, marked with signs, with their boundaries defined, and access limited where technically possible and justified by the risk.

The sign is a blue circle showing a white head wearing ear defenders. Everyone who enters, including managers, visitors and contractors, must wear protection, however short the visit.

Workers exposed above the upper exposure action value are entitled to have their hearing checked by a registered medical practitioner, or by a suitably qualified person under the doctor’s responsibility. Preventive hearing tests, called audiometry, must also be available to every worker exposed above the lower exposure action value.

This means regular hearing tests.

A first, baseline hearing test is followed by regular checks, which can find early damage before the worker notices it.

The results are explained to the worker, and health records are kept. If damage is found, the employer must review the risk assessment and the controls, and protect that worker from further harm.

Employees must attend their hearing checks.

Workers exposed at or above the lower exposure action value must be told about:

• The risks from noise, and the likely level of their exposure.
• The findings of the noise assessment, and the controls in place.
• The action values and the exposure limit value.
• Why, when and how to use, look after and store hearing protection.
• How to recognise and report signs of hearing damage.
• Their entitlement to health surveillance, and safe working practices.

Employers must:

• Assess noise risks, using a competent person.
• Eliminate or reduce noise at source.
• Run a noise control programme at the upper exposure action value.
• Provide suitable hearing protection, and mark hearing protection zones.
• Arrange health surveillance for workers at risk.
• Inform, train and consult workers, and keep everything under review.

Employees must:

• Use noise controls and hearing protection properly.
• Look after their protection, and report any defects.
• Follow their training and safe working practices.
• Attend hearing checks.
• Report any ringing in the ears, or any change in their hearing.

The Health and Safety Authority, or HSA, can inspect workplaces and take enforcement action where these duties are not met.

Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent, but it is entirely preventable. In this course, you have learned how noise damages hearing, how it is measured, the action values of 80 and 85 dB(A), the exposure limit value of 87 dB(A), and how noise risk is assessed and controlled.

Remember the order: reduce noise at source first, use hearing protection correctly as the last line of defence, and attend your hearing checks.