Ningbo Toprise Security Products Co., Ltd., as a company with 20 years of experience in exporting safety earplugs, is dedicated to providing effective hearing protection to customers worldwide. Our earplugs are manufactured in strict accordance with CE standards for international markets. Here we share how to choose the right earplugs.
Importance of ear protection in noisy environments
Prolonged exposure to noise levels above 85 decibels (dB) can cause permanent hearing damage, significantly affecting both personal well-being and job performance. And our safety earplugs can help reduce the noise level to avoid hearing impairment, especially in environments with machinery, engines, or power tools.
Key Considerations for Choosing Earplug Materials
Different materials have different levels of comfort and nose reduction ability. Some might need reusable and disposable earplugs in different occasions. Other environmental lovers might prefer reusable earplugs, which are reusable, sustainable and eco-friendly.
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
What is NRR? It is essential for selecting effective earplugs. NRR stands for Noise Reduction Rating, a measure of the effectiveness of hearing protection devices in reducing noise. It is expressed in decibels (dB) and indicates how much noise is reduced when the earplugs are properly fitted and used. Higher NRR values indicate better noise reduction. NRR is determined through standardized testing procedures conducted by organizations like the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the CE standards. Earplugs are tested using a simulated noise environment where noise levels are measured with and without the earplugs. After having a knowledge about the noise reduction rate, we must know the NRR we are looking for.
How to Measure the Noise Decibels without Any Costs
Use your mobile phone. Almost everyone has a mobile phone at hands nowadays. So it would be the easiest and most convenient for most of us to measure the sound levels around us. Download some mobiles apps for sound level testing. It might not be accurate as high quality professional device. But it’s enough for get a rough idea of the nose levels about our working environment. Some common apps from mobile platforms for nose level testing as below:
For Apple devices: Decibel 10th, Decibel Meter Pro, dB Meter, Sound Level Meter
For Android devices: Sound Meter, Decibel Meter, Noise Meter, decibel
For Windows phones: Decibel Meter Free, Cyberx Decibel Meter, Decibel Meter Pro
Take advantage of your computer. If you’re on Windows 8, try downloading the free Decibel Reader app from the Microsoft App store. The app uses your computer’s microphone to read noises up to 96 decibels. Similar devices are available from the iTunes app store for Apple products. Use a professional decibel meter. It could be costly. But it’s more professional for high-precision nose level testing. Just get one from Amazon.
Types of Hearing Protection Device
So far, we mainly use foamed PU and silicone for the production of hearing protection buds. The selection of the right materials would be very significant for the users, especially those sensitive ones who is allergic to some of the materials. Also we have ABS hearing protection headphones, also called safety earmuff.
Foam Earplugs:
It is a popular disposable type of hearing protection material which can provide an impressive ear protection of NRR 34-36dB under CE standards, and NRR 31-33dB under ANSI standards.
Material: Made from soft, compressible and expandable polyurethane foam.
Design: The PU foamed earplugs often comes with a string, which is especially designed for preventing losing, easy access, hygiene and cleanness, convenient removal and safety in case of swallowing or losing by chance.
Benefits: Cost-effective, high noise reduction, disposable, less infection and irritation
Best for: Environments with prolonged exposure to noise such as construction sites (machinery, power tools, and heavy equipment), aviation and food processing, and entertainment events
Silicone Earplugs:
Unlike foamed earplug, the silicone earplugs are reusable and can be cleaned. So from the long term, it is more costs effective than PU foam ear plugs. The material is soft and flexible. It can also be molded to best fit the ear canal. Silicone safety plugs can provide ear protection up to NRR28 dB under CE standards and NRR23 dB under ANSI standards.
Material: Made from flexible, durable silicone.
Benefits: Reusable, comfortable, non-irritating, hypoallergenic.
Design: String can be optional.
Maintenance: Easy to clean with soap and water, which helps maintain hygiene and extend their lifespan.
Waterproof: Silicone earplugs are resistant to water, making them ideal for use during swimming or in wet conditions.
Best for: Environments like swimming, sleeping, and travelling
Hearing Protection Headphones
A hearing protection headphone can support noise canceling level up to 19-32dB under CE standards and 19-27dB under ANSI standards. The excellent NRR is achieved through materials like foam ear cups that block out sound passively without electronics. Cushioned ear cups, adjustable headbands, and lightweight designs make it very popular in shooting practice.
Packaging Options for Safety Earplugs
Individual Packaging:
- Benefits: Hygienic, convenient for personal use, reduces contamination risks.
- Best for: Medical, food processing, and industrial environments where hygiene is critical.
Bulk Packaging:
It can be packed 250 pairs/bags, 500 pairs/bags or else. Also we can customize a label onto the bag for you.
- Benefits: Cost-effective, suitable for workplaces with high earplug usage.
- Best for: Construction sites, manufacturing plants, and large facilities with high staff turnover.
Portable Cases:
The safety earplugs can be packed several ways: 1 pair/plastic case, 2 pairs/plastic case, 5 pairs/plastic case or even 50 pairs per plastic case with customized label on.
- Benefits: Reusable storage containers for earplugs, enhancing hygiene and portability.
- Best for: Workers needing reusable earplugs and easy access on-the-go (e.g., in aviation, mining).
Regulatory Compliance and Certifications
- OSHA Standards: Ensure earplugs meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
- ANSI and CE Certifications: Importance of certifications that verify noise reduction ratings and safety compliance for various industries.
If you have any questions about the safety earplugs or safety earmuffs, contact TOPRISE freely.
Check TOPRISE products https://toprisesafety.com/product-category/personal-protective-equipment/ear-protection/
Learn more about earplugs or earmuffs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earplug
