Ear Protection

Protection for hearing has gone from strength to strength with the introduction of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations in 2006. These regulations ensure hearing protection must be available for workplaces with persistent noise at 80 decibels (dB), and compulsory at 85 dB or higher to prevent hearing loss and/or permanent ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus).

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations require companies to:

  • Identify the risks that noise at work poses to employees
  • Take steps to reduce the noise exposure that creates those risks
  • Give employees hearing protection if it isn't possible to reduce noise exposure
  • Ensure that the legal noise exposure limits are not exceeded
  • Educate, instruct, and train their employees
  • In cases of health risk, conduct health surveillance

Ear Protection products from our range are available as either Ear Defenders (sometimes known as Ear Muffs) or Ear Plugs each conforming to various SNR and HML frequencies.

Single Number Rating or SNR is a method that helps specify protection levels of ear protection products. SNR is useful for comparing different types of ear protection. In a noisy environment, products with the highest SNR levels provide the greatest protection.

The HML method helps estimate the performance of hearing protectors in high, medium, and low-frequency ranges. The noise attenuation capacity of hearing protection devices is assessed with the HML method.

Damage to the ears often goes unnoticed as it is most commonly cumulative over a period of years due to regular insufficient protection. Therefore the use of Ear Defenders, Ear Plugs etc. is extremely important to aid the prevention of hearing loss in later life.

Ear Defenders are ear protectors consisting of two cups covering the ears. These cups can be filled with foam or liquid and are held in place by a wire or band. On the other hand, Ear Plugs are a type of hearing protector which are generally small foam objects used to insert into the entrance of the ear. 

Some ear defenders can also be integrated with Safety Helmets, which are called Helmet Mounted Ear defenders. Generally,  these are attached via clips on the lateral sides of the Safety Helmet (Hard Hat) and can often be retracted to a position when Ear protection is not required.

To qualify as a valid accessory for ear protection, products must comply with EN352. EN352 specifies the requirements for materials and construction, performance, marking, and user instructions. Ergonomic aspects and other characteristics, such as sizing and adjustability, are tested in order to determine whether ear protection products meet EN352 standards. 

Tiger Supplies counts with a range of ear defenders to suit different working conditions and noise hazards. Some of our products have been designed for light industry applications while others are meant for use in medium-duty industrial and outdoor applications. 

Tiger Supplies’ earplugs are made from a soft material that is easy to insert and provides comfort. From washable and reusable earplugs to disposable corded earplugs, Tiger Supplies’ earplugs offer protection mostly against lower noise levels. 

If you are looking for ear protection for intermittent use, we have banded earplugs, which can be worn under the chin to allow freedom of movement. Tiger Supplies also offer earplug dispensers, which can be wall-mounted or free-standing.

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