Worker Protections

Hearing Protection

0 MM+
workers in the United States are protected by hearing protection. 
Hearing Protection

Hearing Protection Buyers Guide

Hearing Protection Worker Protections

Dangerous levels of noise blast our ears every day, and much of it comes in occupational settings. If a worker is used to it, they might not even notice. Once hearing is gone, it is gone forever. Permanent hearing loss is irreversible. Various products are available to workers to help reduce noise, including ear plugs, caps, muffs, and others. The best hearing protector is the one that is comfortable and convenient and that a worker will wear every time they are in an environment with hazardous noise.

What Is Too Loud?

Ear protection is recommended for noise levels of 85 decibels or above. For every 3 dB above 85 dB, NIOSH recommends cutting the permissible exposure time in half.

How Loud is Your Work?

The NIOSH Sound Level Meter (SLM) app combines the best features of professional sound levels meters and noise dosimeters into a simple, easy-to-use package. The app was developed to help workers make informed decisions about their noise environment and promote better hearing health and prevention efforts.

Noise Affects Your Health

Loud noises can cause: 
– Stress, Chronic Fatigue 
– Hearing Loss, Tinnitus 
– High Blood Pressure 
– Digestive Disorders

Federal Standards and Regulation

OSHA (29 CFR 1910.95) mandates employers “make hearing protectors available to all employees exposed to an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels or greater at no cost to the employees. Hearing protectors shall be replaced as necessary.”

Hearing Protection Standards

  • ISEA is represented on the following standards committees and panels: 

    • ANSI A10 – Safety Requirements for Construction and Demolition Operations 
    • ANSI S12 – Hearing Protection 
    • ANSI Z49 – Safety in Welding and Cutting 
    • ANSI Z10 – Occupational Health and Safety Systems 
    • CSA Z94.2 – Technical Committee on Hearing Protection (liaison) 
    • US TAG to ISO TC43 – Acoustics, SC1 Noise 

Additional Resources

Occupational Noise Exposure (OSHA) 

Reducing Noise Exposure

Hearing Protection Product Group Members

Buyers Guide

Protecting Workers from Head to Toe

Our members are here to bring your workers the protection they need with the quality you expect.

Specialty Safety Products

Safety Cutting Knives

Respiratory Protection

Respiratory Protection

Protective Apparel

Protective Apparel

Hand Protection

Hand Protection

Instruments

Instruments

High-Visibility Products

High Visibility Products

Previous
Next

Search

Trending

Standards

Global PPE

Issues

We are the safety equipment industry, united in the goal of protecting workers worldwide.

Our Mission

The voice of credibility for the safety equipment industry

Members & Leadership

Learn about ISEA members, leadership and awards

Board of Trustees

Your elected officials to help guide the association

ISEA Foundation

We help develop talent and raise awareness about worker safety

Staff

Meet the team

Explore Membership

ISEA membership gives you a seat at the table, delivers powerful insights and lets you engage with peers.  

Our education & training programs improve the effectiveness of safety equipment industry professionals.

QSSP

Our education & training programs improve the effectiveness of safety equipment industry professionals.

Executive Summit

Hear progressive ideas, learn best practices, and make peer connections.

Annual Business Meeting

Collaborate on standards development and track industry & policy trends

Event Calendar

See all upcoming events

Webinar Library

Access our webinar library

We are a trusted resource for industry insights and policy, with a window to Washington

Advocacy & Issues

Gain a powerful advocate in the halls of government

Industry Impact

Measuring the impact of the safety equipment industry

Industry Intelligence

Reports and tools for ISEA members

Market Data Analysis

Benchmark market share & product growth trends

Newsroom

Access the latest safety news & insights

Buyer's Guide

Discover our buyers guide to find the right PPE for your company and people.

Learn More

Tips For Buying PPE Online

Buying PPE online? Follow our guide to ensure it’s appropriate and high quality.

Learn More