Posted By srd Which is the most effective at blocking out sound, ear muffs (headphones) or ear plugs (small yellow foam cylinders)? I read that ear muffs (headphones) should only be considered when a user has a problem using ear plugs (small yellow foam cylinders). Does this mean that the ear plugs are better at protecting from noise than ear muffs? Steve.

Posted By Paul Leadbetter Steve It depends on the characteristics of the noise you are trying to protect against. The hearing protection must be matched to the frequency distribution of the noise. Paul

Posted By srd A Scriptographic booklet and a Safety Media booklet both contain exactly the same information: "Earmuffs are recommended for people who can't use earplugs". "Earmuffs help protect against moderate and high-intensity noise ..... Earplugs help protect against high-intensity noise" To me that reads as earmuffs are inferior to earplugs and should only be used where wearing earplugs is not an option? Steve.

Posted By Paul Leadbetter Steve I can see why you have reached your conclusion but I think the booklets are misleading, probably because of over-simplification. Paul

Posted By Descarte In my opinion the type of protection chosen should be the one which gives the best attenuation to the given noise frequencies the employee is exposued to. Each individual supplier of both ear muffs and plugs will have different attenuation factors are varying frequencies due to design and materials used. I seem to remember the HSE having a spreadsheet which can allow you to input the manufacturers data to enable you to choose the best one for your noise source. Where differences between attenuations are minimal it may come down to cost, user preference and interference with other types of PPE, such as eye protection, RPE masks, visors etc.. Is one better than the other? I guess each situaltion would be unique, I have even heard some tasks requiring wearing of ear plugs UNDER ear muffs! Des

Posted By Stuff4blokes srd, another factor to take into account is how the PPE is used. In my job I often come across users of foam plugs who have simply inserted them across the outer section of the ear so that it looks like they are using them. They are not receiving any worthwhile protection. Used correctly foam plugs can do a very good job. It is harder to misuse muffs although muffs worn on the top of a hard hat or around the neck are equally useless. For some users muffs are uncomfortably hot and sweaty. Used correctly they too do a good job. I agree with previous posters advice regarding the characteristics of the noise. Low frequency noise exposure is much more difficult to control than higher frequencies. My personal preference is individually moulded plugs for the exposures I may face, but that's just my choice based on comfort and performance. So which is better? It depends...(as usual).

Posted By srd Thanks all, but I'm still not sure why they are saying that ear muffs are "recommended for people who can't use earplugs". That still reads to me that you should try to use earplugs if you can, but if for some reason you can't then ear muffs are the next best option. Steve.

Posted By clairel I think perhaps you have to not get hung up what they have (literally) said. Perhaps it instead means that just because you can't /don't want to use ear plugs that doesn't mean that you cant use another form of hearing protecting (ie, ear muffs). My points on the subject would be though: 1- You can't compare ear plugs and ear defenders as a whole. Both have different noise attenuation depending on make and model etc. Hearing protection has become very sophisticated, screening out different frequencies of noise. But you get what you pay for and so can't just do a straight comparison between the notion of ear plugs and ear defenders.Their are plenty of ear plugs that are perfectly adequate in even some of the noisiest environemnst - if used properly. 2- I hate the little yellow foam inserts that you are talking about as they are very rarely used properly to ensure that they are actually protecting hearing. I also think they promote ear infections as unless your hands are clean when you squidge them up and insert them then you are placing dirt in your ear canal. Personally I prefer the various other types of moulded inserts. 3 - Ear defenders have their own problems. They need to be maintained / replaced as the seal deteriorates but few people seem to do that. You can't wear them with safety specs (but looads of people do) as the arm of the safety spec will break the seal. Also ear muffs are known to cause a problems with a feeling of isoloation. And finally they can be too sweaty for some environments.

Posted By s_jesu Hi srd, You are right, Earmuff has less noise reduction rating than Ear plug. NRR(US Noise Reduction Rating) NRR for Ear Muff - 22db NRR for Ear Plug(disposable) - 28db NRR for Ear Plug(resuable) - 24db Even then the position of wearing the earmuff with change the NRR. Over hear single point, on Hard hats, below chin, back of head. Any how NRR or db rating TWA will vary from brand to brand and its advisable to cross check the manufacturer data sheet. cheers, Jesu