Posted By William Wright Dear All, my company has recently made it compulsory to wear ear defenders, whilst on the shop floor, They have issued all employees with the same type of ear defenders. However the Engineering staff have reported that they have difficulties in communicating with stall and colleagues whilst trying to carry out thier duties. What worries me even more is that they have reported that this is effecting safety as many of the tasks they carryout require clear and precise verbal instructios. Has anyone any experience of this and how to engineer a way around this? ie specialist ear defenders etc.

Posted By Paul Leadbetter William Do you have any problems with employees not wearing the protection? Employees should be given a choice as this should improve the wearing of it. Paul

Posted By John J The trick is not to overprotect. Your ear defenders should offer a suitable level of protection but may not require the maximum level available on the market. Engineering methods are always preferred but if this is not practicable they may as well get used to improving none verbal techniques as they could need them when their older, John

Posted By Colin Reeves There is an alternative that may suit. Some time ago I was issued with earplugs which were specifically moulded on an individual basis, these were highly effective at reducing general noise levels but did allow speach frequencies to be attenuated less. I am aware of hygiene concerns with earplugs - these being moulded to a specific ear did not appear to have the same problems. They were also comfortable enough to wear continuously. However, it is a few years ago and I have slept since then, cannot recall the manufacturer. Colin

Posted By James K In response to Colin's posting. We have recently introduced personalised ear protectors that are quantifiable. The individual persons moulded protectors are fitted with filters that allow for the individuals hearing level against the surrounding noise levels. In Ireland the compay is Audio Labs in Dublin and the name of the ear protector is called Sonamax. Maybe Sonamax have a supplier in the UK ? These are not cheap but considering the possible cost of a court case they are reasonable enough,costing approximately €170 per person. Jim

Posted By Sarah Haskins I work as an Audiometrician and come across this problem very often. There are probaly a few things to bear in mind. 1) A reluctance to the new policy 2) Over protection- If in doubt use this link to make sure the attenuation is correct. http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/hearingcalc.xls 3) Make sure a wide range of hearing protection is avaiable, plugs, corded, banded, silcone, foam and ear muff etc etc. Custon made earplugs can as a long term investment be cost effective and as the ear only has slight changes in shape every 6-7 years these will last. Noise reducing eafmuffs are avaible they will cut out any noise above generally 83dB, so conversation can continue easiy, they do have a cost implication if they are needed for a large number of employees. Regards Sarah