Airports carry several risky work environments where one is required to wear suitable personal protective equipment (PPE). It is a well-known fact that workers at small private aviation industry and busy metropolitan airports are expected to follow the safety protocols at their workplace.

effectiveness of their protective gear

Airports carry several risky work environments where one is required to wear suitable personal protective equipment (PPE). Workers at small private aviation industry and busy metropolitan airports are expected to follow the safety protocols at their workplace.

However, they must also be mindful about the effectiveness of their protective gear and hence when other better options are available, it is wise to consider purchasing them.

Planes are loud, and anybody working in proximity such as the mechanics, baggage handlers, fuel truck operators, and the catering companies working on the tarmac must consider protecting themselves from noise exposure to avoid issues related to hearing.

Often airline safety managers and airport workers are unsure which hearing protection device will be the most suitable and offer the best results. To clear up the confusion and help you decide, let's look at some general hearing protection devices available today.

Single-Use Earplugs 

These earplugs provide great comfort, convenience and performance to the workers and as the name suggests, they are disposable after one use. Single-use earplugs are available in a broad spectrum of styles and materials all the way from the latest contoured PU (polyurethane) foam earplugs to the 3 and a 1/2 decade old yellow PVC barrel earplug.

These earplugs range from lower-pressure foam style to the high- density earplugs with a maximum NRR capacity of 33dB. Incorporation of new designs and materials that support communication without barring the overall protection is an advancement in the single-use earplug design.

These earplugs come with or without cords. For workers exposed to the noise intermittently, corded earplugs may be a convenient choice, as they could be hung around their necks when not in use.

Multiple-Use Earplugs 

Multiple-use earplugs are way expensive than single-use earplugs, but in time could turn economical. These earplugs are made by moulding a variety of silicone materials, plastic and vinyl to feature a rigid stem for easy insertion and flexible flanges to facilitate a comfortable seal within the ear canal.

The process of insertion and removal is much easier in multiple-use styles, as rolling is not required compared to most single-use earplugs. Some types of multiple-use earplugs fit the entire ear, while others are made available in many sizes to cater towards different sizes and shapes of ear canals.

These are made from patented TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer). The multiple-use earplugs can be used for as long as 2 to 5 weeks upon proper maintenance. The detachable cord is a new handy feature that allows the workers to wear the earplugs corded or uncorded as they prefer.

Banded Earplugs 

Banded earplugs are another option for multiple usage. For people moving in and out of noisy areas these type of earplugs are very useful as they are just a pair of earplugs basically held by a plastic band. Banded earplugs can be thought of as a hybrid between earplugs and earmuffs.

The ease in usage similar to earmuffs and the convenience and portability of earplugs are the reasons behind it. Banded earplugs also serve as an alternative during hot weather as earmuffs become uncomfortable.

Earmuffs

The Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR) is typically low in earmuffs compared to earplugs. As opposed to the highest rated earplug that carries an NRR of 33dB, the highest rated earmuffs in the market has an NRR of 30dB. Although it seems a little strange since the earmuffs look bulky and heavy, the earplug can block the ear canal completely to attenuate sound.

However, the earmuffs are great for usability and provide better comfort. There are many types of earmuffs. 

Passive Earmuffs 

Made from several materials, passive earmuffs block sound by the use of foam and other parts of the earcup. The headbands could be metal or plastic. Some users feel that plastic holds their shape properly, while others prefer metal as it is sturdier and provide the best wear.

The protection level of the product decreases when the earmuff bands are stretched out for increased comfort. Earmuffs should not slip around, rather it must be close fitting and secure to seal the ear tight.

Passive earmuffs for special applications have different styles such as cap-mounts to be fixed on hard hats, neckband earmuffs to wear at the back of the neck to couple with other protective gears, multi-position earmuffs for wearing over the head, behind the head or under the chin and folding earmuffs for easy portability and storage. Optional features in earmuffs include belt clips and carrying cases.

Uniform Attenuation Earmuffs 

This is a product with a fairly recent development. Apart from blocking noise, they make use of advanced acoustic technologies to cope with incoming sound while providing added benefits. Protection is maximised by the uniform attenuation of many important octave bands (250Hz to 4KHz). Users may hear warning signals and voices more naturally.

Electronic Earmuffs 

Besides blocking sound, electronic earmuffs modulate that sound electronically. It could be a case where the ambient sound is amplified to make the users hear the normal environmental sounds better, or it could be a two-way communication. Although some manufacturers are heavily investing on electronic earmuffs, it remains small in the market compared to other types of earmuffs.

A basic radio earmuff could cost a mere $60, while advanced aviation headsets are worth $300 or more. That being said, it is useful to note that majority of the standard electronic earmuffs work fine to block noise. However, for workers with repetitive jobs, products that can link to an mp3 player or a CD, if not an AM/FM radio earmuff, would be the ideal choice to kill the boredom and improve job satisfaction. 

To narrow down the selection process, safety managers could follow a practical approach, like requesting a small group of trustworthy workers to wear different styles of ear protection for a timeframe and see what works the best. To conduct this experiment, samples are usually provided by hearing protection salespeople.  

Airport workers and hearing Protection

Airport workers are exposed to loud noises all the time. This includes airport noise from:

•  Towing planes, taxiing airplanes, and other aircraft operations
•  Unmanned aerial vehicles;
•  Ground support equipment;
•  Passenger jet engines

The decibel level of these sounds can range between 95-120 dB. Airport workers who are regularly exposed to noise levels above 85 dB can experience hearing loss over time. Hearing damage is permanent and cannot be reversed. It is recommended that any worker with a noise exposure level of 85dB or greater wear ear protection when on the job.

Ear protection is for your protection.

Workers should start wearing ear protection at the first sound level above 85 dB and continue to wear ear protection when they are exposed at any level between these two levels.

This means that if you work near or on an airport runway, you need to start wearing ear protection at the low end of the 95-120 dB range (85dB) and continue to wear it as long as you are there. If you're off the runway, start with your highest sustained sound exposure level (generally 85dB but this can be different depending on where on the airport property you are located).

You can still hear what's going on around you.

People who often wear ear protection say that they feel better about the situation because they still hear normal sound levels around them, but they are protecting their hearing. Their ability to communicate with coworkers and with customers may be impaired, but ear protection will prevent long-term hearing damage.

Ear Protection is quick and easy to put on.

Ear protection is usually mounted on a headband or chin strap, so they are quick and easy to put on. Earplugs and ear muffs are the most commonly available forms of hearing protection. Earplugs can be inserted while on the job by rolling or folding them into small cones, using your fingers to gently push the plug into your ear canal, then inserting the plug until it is firmly seated in place. Ear muffs fit over your ears and head. Sometimes ear muffs have a visor or face shield that allows you to see what you're doing while keeping out loud noises.

You can still hear what's going on around you.

People who often wear ear protection say that they feel better about the situation because they still hear normal sound levels around them, but they are protecting their hearing. Their ability to communicate with coworkers and with customers may be impaired, but ear protection will prevent long-term hearing damage.

Ear protection is quick and easy to put on.

Ear protection is usually mounted on a headband or chin strap, so they are quick and easy to put on. Earplugs and ear muffs are the most commonly available forms of hearing protection. Earplugs can be inserted while on the job by rolling or folding them into small cones, using your fingers to gently push the plug into your ear canal, then inserting the plug until it is firmly seated in place.

Ear muffs fit over your ears and head. Sometimes ear muffs have a visor or face shield that allows you to see what you're doing while keeping out loud noises.

Ear protection comes in comfortable types.

People who suffer from discomfort due to ear protection often wear custom-made earmolds, which are small plastic or silicone forms that sit in your ears like hearing aids. Airports have several types of earplugs, which are also custom-made for noise reduction. Each plugs is designed to fit into different ear canals.

Ear protection is convenient.

Earplugs and ear muffs are the most commonly available forms of hearing protection. Earplugs can be inserted while on the job by rolling or folding them into small cones, using your fingers to gently push the plug into your ear canal, then inserting the plug until it is firmly seated in place. Ear muffs fit over your ears and head. Sometimes ear muffs have a visor or face shield that allows you to see what you're doing while keeping out loud noises.

Ear protection costs less than medical bills due to hearing loss.

People who suffer from hearing loss also pay more out-of-pocket for medical care, because the medical cost of treating hearing loss is far greater than ear protection costs. Ear protection can prevent any hearing loss from becoming permanent. Earplugs cost between $3 and $9 each; muffs around $20 each; including both earplugs and ear muffs, approximately $100 or less.

Your boss can't tell if you're wearing ear protection or not.

Some workers feel uncomfortable about wearing ear protection while on the job because they say that they get "reprimanded" by their supervisors if they are caught not wearing it but only have a small amount of hearing damage. This is a form of "self-reporting," even though it's not always the truth. It's best to keep your ears open and be honest about what you are and are not wearing.

Your coworkers will appreciate your wearing ear protection.

Many workers, and their supervisors, appreciate the fact that you are protecting your hearing while on the job. Earplugs and muffs are easy to wear, discreet from customers and coworkers, and can help you work in a better environment.

Ear protection is inexpensive, especially if you're buying it as a package with other protective gear for the job. Keep in mind that it's also generally a good idea to try to avoid going into environments where there is a lot of noise or an unknown amount of noise such as working at night.

Conclusion

Training on how to use hearing protection should be a part of your job safety training. Always be sure to wear hearing protection outside and inside your workplace. It's also important to research the costs associated with hearing loss and the importance of protecting your hearing.

Your employer will be happy to see that you are wearing hearing protection, and you'll be able to work in a healthier, safer environment.

Please Note: Just because an ear defender is marked, for example, "Gunshot" - it will still cover other things, like "explosions"