Hearing Protection

Choosing hearing protection

Australian workplace noise exposure is regulated under the Work Health and Safety Regulations — employers must reduce noise exposure to 85 dB(A) averaged over an 8-hour shift (LAeq,8h) or 140 dB(C) peak, whichever is reached first. Hearing protectors are the last line of defence in the hierarchy of controls: engineering (quieter plant, enclosures) and administrative controls (job rotation, distance) come first. Where PPE is the control, selection must match the noise environment — under-protecting causes hearing loss; massively over-protecting causes communication breakdown, isolation, and paradoxically more noise-related incidents.

Earmuffs vs earplugs

The two main protector types have distinct trade-offs:

• Earmuffs — cups that cover the outer ear with cushions sealing against the head. Consistent fit, visible when worn (easy supervisor compliance check), and comfortable for intermittent use. Interfere with hard hats unless helmet-mounted, can be hot, and offer slightly lower SLC80 at very high frequencies.
• Earplugs — inserted into the ear canal. Compact, non-heating, compatible with any PPE combination, and usually higher attenuation than muffs. Require correct insertion (a common failure point) and can be uncomfortable for long shifts if not fitted well.
• Dual protection — earplugs worn under earmuffs for extreme noise environments (120 dB+). Adds around 5–6 dB extra attenuation, not the sum of individual ratings.

SLC80 — the Australian noise-reduction rating

Hearing protectors certified to AS/NZS 1270 carry an SLC80 rating (Sound Level Conversion, 80th percentile) measured across five classes:

• Class 1 — 10–13 dB SLC80. Light noise (above 85 dB but below 90).
• Class 2 — 14–17 dB. Moderate noise (up to 95 dB).
• Class 3 — 18–21 dB. Higher-noise industrial (up to 100 dB).
• Class 4 — 22–25 dB. Heavy industry and construction (up to 105 dB).
• Class 5 — 26+ dB. Extreme noise (up to 110 dB) — generators, blast zones, heavy mining.

Select the lowest class that brings exposure below 85 dB(A) — over-protecting degrades communication and situational awareness. For 95 dB exposure, use Class 2 (not Class 5). Noise surveys determine the right class.

Product range

Earmuffs

Headband, neckband, helmet-mounted, and electronic-attenuation variants. SLC80 Classes 2–5. Browse earmuffs →

Disposable earplugs

Foam roll-down plugs for single-use, visitor issue, and high-hygiene environments. Class 5 attenuation in compact form. Browse disposables →

Reusable earplugs

Pre-moulded silicone or flanged plugs for workers who consistently use hearing protection and prefer a washable, longer-life option. Browse reusables →

Banded earplugs

Plugs on a lightweight headband — fast don/doff for intermittent noise zones, won't get lost between uses. Browse banded →

Hearing accessories

Replacement cushions, hygiene kits, helmet-mount adaptors, dispensers, and storage boxes for earmuff and earplug maintenance. Browse accessories →

Custom-moulded and electronic hearing protection

For regular-exposure workers (production-line, mining, forestry), custom-moulded plugs provide long-term comfort and consistent attenuation — taken from an ear impression and manufactured to the individual ear canal shape. Electronic earmuffs attenuate high-level noise while amplifying low-level sound (speech, reversing alarms), giving the wearer better awareness in variable-noise environments. Both are available through our trade team for specific workforce requirements.

Standards & compliance

All hearing protection in this range is certified to AS/NZS 1270 (acoustics — hearing protectors). Selection should follow the AS/NZS 1269 series (occupational noise management) — 1269.0 (overview), 1269.1 (measurement), 1269.2 (noise control), 1269.3 (hearing protection), 1269.4 (auditory assessment). A workplace noise survey identifies the 8-hour LAeq; the selected protector's SLC80 must bring the protected exposure below 85 dB(A).

Frequently asked questions

How do I know the right SLC80 class?

A workplace noise survey measures the LAeq,8h exposure in each area. Subtract the protector's SLC80 from the environmental noise — result must be ≤85 dB(A). Example: 98 dB environment + Class 3 (20 dB SLC80) = 78 dB protected — acceptable.

Is it safe to over-protect?

No — over-protecting (using Class 5 in a 90 dB environment) reduces speech intelligibility, masks safety-critical sounds (reversing alarms, shouts), and paradoxically increases noise-incident risk. It also causes workers to lift or remove protection, getting zero protection intermittently.

How often should earmuffs and earplugs be replaced?

Earmuff cushions: every 6 months or when cracked, hardened, or contaminated. Cups: 2–3 years typical life. Disposable earplugs: single-use (never re-used). Reusable plugs: 2–4 weeks to 3 months depending on hygiene and use. Inspect before every shift.

Do you offer trade or bulk pricing?

Yes — trade accounts receive 5% off RRP, and workforce programs (production lines, mining, construction) qualify for bulk and dispenser-based pricing. Custom-moulded plug fit-outs available. Apply for a trade account →