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Hearing Protection for use with hearing aids
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Hello to all, We have a new employee who is 50 % deaf and he currently has to remove his hearing aids to wear our hearing protection (foam type in ear buds). This is not ideal as he obviously cannot hear the various hazards around him such as Fork Lift Trucks.
The obvious solution is to purchase some over ear, muff type protectors but I was hoping somone may have a recommendation for a type that are suited to being worn with hearing aids. The ear porotection needs an SNR rating of 30 in order to suit our environment.
Thanks
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Nerdy - I would talk to a reputable PPE supplier. If they understand the Q as you have put it so clearly here, then they should be able to come up with pragmatic suggestions.
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 2 users thanked peter gotch for this useful post.
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Just an update in case anyone else has to go throught the same process. We were advised to purchase noise cancelling hearing protection that also amplifies speech and warning signals. Our supplier recommended 3M Peltor Tactical XP MT1H7F2 @ £200
The hearing aids must not be worn with the hearing protection.
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2 users thanked Nerdy1 for this useful post.
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Rank: Super forum user
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...just an aside it does depend on rthe type of loss that the employee has...it may be possible to demonstrate that the hearing loss would not be increased as a result of not wearing hearing protection...I have only been able to do that once in 20 years...
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Rank: Super forum user
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Nerdy1 - £200 sounds like a lot of money, but, in the scheme of things, it's not and it shows that you value your employee. P
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Rank: Super forum user
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If the person has modern hearing aids they are normally programmed to suit the deficiencies in the person's hearing. The 3M ones suggested to you will not do this so there may be a reduction in the hearing of the wearer. The reason for not wearing the hearing aids with them is that they increase the volume which will be further increased by the hearing aids.I have worn the standard type of ear enclosing defenders for some years with my hearing aids in without a problem. Occasionally there can be a problem of feedback (whistling noise) but this is fixed by having the hearing aids correctly programmed.
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1 user thanked John D C for this useful post.
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Rank: Forum user
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Originally Posted by: johnc  If the person has modern hearing aids they are normally programmed to suit the deficiencies in the person's hearing. The 3M ones suggested to you will not do this so there may be a reduction in the hearing of the wearer. The reason for not wearing the hearing aids with them is that they increase the volume which will be further increased by the hearing aids.I have worn the standard type of ear enclosing defenders for some years with my hearing aids in without a problem. Occasionally there can be a problem of feedback (whistling noise) but this is fixed by having the hearing aids correctly programmed.
This is exactly the type of information I have been seeking johnc.
Can I ask who would do the programming of the hearing aids? Also have you found a particular brand of hearing protection more suitable than others? We are keen to get to the best possible solution long term. Thanks
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Rank: Super forum user
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Originally Posted by: Nerdy1 <p><div class="quote"><span class="quotetitle">Originally Posted by: johnc <a href="/posts/m811655-Hearing-Protection-for-use-with-hearing-aids#post811655"><img src="/Themes/iosh2/icon_latest_reply.gif" title="Go to Quoted Post" alt="Go to Quoted Post" /></a></span><div class="innerquote">If the person has modern hearing aids they are normally programmed to suit the deficiencies in the person's hearing. The 3M ones suggested to you will not do this so there may be a reduction in the hearing of the wearer. The reason for not wearing the hearing aids with them is that they increase the volume which will be further increased by the hearing aids.I have worn the standard type of ear enclosing defenders for some years with my hearing aids in without a problem. Occasionally there can be a problem of feedback (whistling noise) but this is fixed by having the hearing aids correctly programmed.</div></div>
</p><p>This is exactly the type of information I have been seeking johnc.
</p><p>Can I ask who would do the programming of the hearing aids? Also have you found a particular brand of hearing protection more suitable than others? </p><p>We are keen to get to the best possible solution long term.</p><p>Thanks</p>
My hearing aids are programmed by an audiologist at well known high street chemists on an annual basis. Whoever supplied your employee's aids will more than likely be doing the same. As for what type of defender is best I believe any of the more well known suppliers e.e. 3M, Arco, will give you what you want.
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