Environmental Health and Safety

Hearing Protection Devices

Advantages and Disadvantages Of Hearing Protection Devices (HPD's)

HPD

Advantages

Disadvantages

Expandable Foam Plugs

  • Good in hot, humid environments
  • Can be easily worn with other equipment
  • Inexpensive
  • Less visible than earmuffs
  • Requires skill and attention during application
  • People with small ear canals may have difficulty rolling typical plugs small enough to make them fit

Pre-molded, reusable plugs

  • Good in hot, humid environments
  • Can be easily worn with other equipment
  • Many are available in small, medium and large
  • Inexpensive
  • Reusable
  • Washable
  • Convenient to carry
  • In dirty or dusty environments, you don't need to handle or roll tips
  • Less visible than earmuffs
  • Requires skill and attention during application
  • Some people may need a different size plug for each ear

Canal Caps

  • Convenient to wear around the neck when not in use
  • The pressure of the bands can be uncomfortable to some people

Earmuffs

  • Designed to fit most people
  • Tight, bulky, hot and heavy
  • Heavy beards, sideburns, or glasses can reduce attenuation
  • Acoustical leaks may arise from employee modification
  • Other PPE may make it hard to wear