We all enjoy listening to our favorite songs on the radio and watching great TV shows, right? Well, in

order to have this benefit long-term, guarding our hearing is vital!

Simply put, ear safety, like all aspects of safety is aimed at keeping ourselves and our senses safe from

danger and/or permanent damage while working in certain environments. Many of us in the workforce

are constantly surrounded by earsplitting volumes made by the equipment we use to perform our jobs;

among other things. Wearing ear protection equipment is the best way to care for our ears while we

work! Some workers are resistant to wearing PPE for their ears because they do not think that it is

necessary or that it may be uncomfortable. Be aware, hearing loss is usually gradual, and by the time a

person knows that they’ve lost some, the damage has been done and can’t be reversed.

This training focuses on hearing protection and hearing loss prevention methods.

PPE for Ears

 Pre-shaped Foam Earplugs

 Pre-shaped Rubber Earplugs

 Corded Ear Plugs (rubber and foam)

 Non-Corded Earplugs (rubber and foam)

 Inner Ear Earplugs (these go further into your ear canal giving you added protection)

 Headset Style Earplugs (these go further into your ear canal giving you added protection)

 Conforming Shape Earplugs (these are shaped to fit to your ear)

How to care for Ear Protection Equipment

 Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.

 Replace ear cushions or plugs that are no longer pliable.

 Replace headset style unit when headbands are so stretched that they do not keep ear cushions

snuggly against the head.

 Disassemble earmuffs to clean.

 Wash hearing protectors with a mild dish detergent in warm water, and then rinse in clear

warm water.

 Ensure that the area that the sound is affected by does not get wet.

 Use a soft brush to remove skin, oil, and dirt which can harden ear cushions.

If you feel there is a more substantial risk of on-the-job hearing loss due to regular usage of any

company provided or personally owned tools that is not properly compensated for by provided hearing

protection, notify your supervisor immediately. Audiometric testing and/or additional hearing protection may be provided at management discretion.

SAFETY TAKE-AWAY:

Hearing Protection is for your benefit! Better to be safe than sorry!