Posts in category: Hearing Protection

When we think of workplace injuries, we picture slips, falls, and heavy equipment accidents. But there’s another danger lurking on job sites across the country—and you can’t see it coming. It’s called noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), and it’s the most common, permanent, and completely preventable occupational injury in the world.

The Scope of the Problem

• 30 million workers in the U.S. are exposed to hazardous noise levels on the job each year
• 10 million already suffer from noise-induced hearing loss

That’s a staggering number of people whose quality of life has been affected—many without even realizing it.

How Noise Damages Your Hearing

The danger of hazardous noise isn’t just about volume—it’s about how it affects your ears at the cellular level.

• High-frequency sounds carry sound energy that enters the inner ear
• This energy damages the receptor cells that process sound
• These receptor cells do not regenerate—once they’re gone, they’re gone
• That means: damage is irreversible

And here’s the kicker:

• Just one instance of extreme noise can cause permanent harm
• Long-term exposure to lower-level sounds can also build up damage over time

Why It’s Hard to Catch Early

Unlike other workplace injuries, noise-induced hearing loss is sneaky:

• It usually causes no pain
• There’s no visible trauma
• It’s often unnoticeable in the early stages
• It accumulates slowly, often taking years to diagnose

By the time someone realizes they’re missing sounds—or struggling to follow conversations—the damage is already done.

Prevention Is Everything

The good news? This is 100% preventable.

With proper hearing protection, regular hearing checks, and a workplace culture that takes noise seriously, you can protect your team from lifelong injury. Don’t wait until it’s too late—prioritize hearing safety now, before the damage is done.

To learn more about hearing protection devices, read here.

To read more about hearing conservation programs, click here.

Are you a visual learner? Watch our webinar on Hearing Conservation HERE.

Browse our hearing protection products HERE.

We recently sent out an email about hearing protection, and let’s just say… some of the responses were a little too real. Turns out, a lot of folks already have hearing loss—and they’re not shy about admitting it!

But it’s no laughing matter: hearing loss in the workplace, especially in construction, is incredibly common—and preventable.

The Stats Speak Volumes

Here’s what we’re dealing with:

• 14% of construction workers report difficulty hearing
• 7% suffer from tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• A staggering 25% of noise-exposed construction workers have permanent hearing loss¹

That’s one in four workers whose hearing is affected long-term. Yikes.

Know Your Options: Types of Hearing Protection Devices (HPDs)

Different jobs and environments call for different types of hearing protection. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common options:

Disposable Earplugs

The Classic Choice

• Most common HPD, with some of the highest NRRs available
• Comes in banded and unbanded versions
• Made mostly from polyurethane—though eco-friendly alternatives exist
• Metal-detectable versions available for food processing industries
• Requires proper training for insertion to be effective

Reusable Earplugs

Flexible and Sustainable

• Made from silicone, polyvinyl, or rubber-like materials
• Washable and long-lasting
• Typically offer a slightly lower NRR than disposables
• Easier to use with less training required
• Custom-molded options available for a personalized fit—and even custom NRRs

Banded Earplugs

On-and-Off Convenience

• Best for jobs where noise is intermittent
• Connected by a washable band for easy handling
• Offer lower NRR, but super handy for quick use

Earmuffs

For All-Around Protection

Passive Earmuffs

• No electronics—just solid noise blocking
• NRR typically 20–30 dB
• Great for intermittent use, with features like adjustable bands, padding, and compact folding
• Bulkier, but easy to fit and wear

Active Earmuffs

• Use microphones and built-in electronics to amplify safe sounds (like voices) and compress hazardous ones
• Perfect for environments where communication matters, but so does protection
• Allows the user to hear surroundings when safe, and be protected when it’s not

When “Too Much Protection” Becomes a Problem

Yes, it’s a thing. Overprotecting workers with unnecessarily high NRR hearing protection can actually introduce new hazards:

• Workers may not hear alarms or warnings
• Communication becomes difficult or impossible
• And if they can’t hear that well? They’re more likely to remove their protection, defeating the purpose entirely

Final Word

Hearing loss is one of those silent risks that sneaks up on workers—and once it’s gone, it doesn’t come back. The right hearing protection, combined with proper training and awareness, goes a long way in keeping your crew safe for the long haul.

So whether your team is rocking foam plugs or high-tech muffs, the key is making sure they’re using the right protection for the right job—and wearing it properly, every time.

To read more about hearing protection, visit our related blog here.  

Are you a visual learner? Watch our webinar on Hearing Conservation HERE.

Browse our hearing protection products HERE.

Did you know that hearing loss is one of the most common job-related injuries, and it’s almost always preventable? That’s right, it’s the most frequent, permanent injury that occurs in the workplace. (1) Once the delicate cells in your ears are damaged, there’s no turning back.