Hearing Protection at Work: Ear Defenders, Plugs and the Law
Hearing protection at work is a legal requirement once noise reaches certain levels, and choosing the right ear defenders or plugs is what makes it effective. Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent, painless while it happens and entirely preventable, which is exactly why UK law takes it seriously.
What the Control of Noise at Work Regulations require
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 set three key levels based on a worker's daily personal exposure. The figures are averaged over a typical working day, so a few loud tasks can push someone over even if the workshop seems quiet most of the time.
| Level | Daily exposure | What the employer must do |
|---|---|---|
| Lower exposure action value | 80 dB(A) | Make hearing protection available and provide information and training |
| Upper exposure action value | 85 dB(A) | Provide hearing protection, ensure it is worn and set up hearing protection zones |
| Exposure limit value | 87 dB(A) | Must not be exceeded, measured at the ear with hearing protection taken into account |
Hearing protection should not be the first answer. The law expects employers to reduce noise at source where reasonably practicable, through quieter tools, maintenance, screening or limiting time in noisy areas. Where workers are regularly exposed above the upper action value, health surveillance (hearing checks) is also needed. Your noise risk assessment and HSE guidance are the places to confirm what applies on your site.
How loud is too loud?
For context, 85 dB is roughly the level of heavy traffic, and angle grinders, chainsaws and many workshops sit well beyond it. If you have to raise your voice to talk to someone two metres away, your workplace is probably loud enough to warrant protection and a proper noise assessment.
Because the decibel scale is logarithmic, small increases matter. Every 3 dB rise roughly doubles the noise energy, which halves the time someone can be exposed for the same dose.
Ear defenders or ear plugs?
Ear defenders (earmuffs) are the go-to for intermittent noise, as they're quick to put on and remove, easy to inspect and comfortable over long periods. Helmet-mounted versions clip onto compatible hard hats for site work. Check that the cups seal fully: thick spectacle arms, hoods and long hair can all break the seal, so slim-armed safety glasses are a better match.
Ear plugs, whether foam, reusable or banded, offer excellent protection and work well under other headgear, though they need inserting correctly to perform. Foam plugs should be rolled down, inserted well into the ear canal and held while they expand. Banded plugs suit people who move in and out of noisy zones all day.
Hearing protectors for work should be tested to EN 352, which covers earmuffs, plugs and helmet-mounted defenders. Whatever you choose, offer a couple of options so people can pick what they will actually wear.
Understanding SNR and avoiding over-protection
Every product carries an SNR (Single Number Rating) showing roughly how many decibels it reduces noise by. The goal isn't maximum reduction, but bringing noise to a safe level while still allowing communication and awareness of alarms and vehicles. HSE guidance suggests aiming for a level at the ear below 80 dB(A) but not below 70 dB(A), and allowing for real-world performance being lower than laboratory figures.
Whichever you choose, hearing protection only works when worn 100% of the time in noisy areas, as even short unprotected exposures add up. It must be provided free of charge, with information and training on how to fit, use and look after it. Our guide to PPE and the law for employers covers the wider duties.
Inspect earmuff cushions for cracks and hardening and replace them when worn, keep reusable plugs clean and in a case, and never share foam plugs.
Quick answers
At what noise level is hearing protection required at work?
Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, employers must make hearing protection available at a daily exposure of 80 dB(A). At 85 dB(A) they must provide it, make sure it is worn and set up hearing protection zones.
Are ear plugs or ear defenders better?
Both can protect well. Ear defenders are easier to fit and remove for intermittent noise, while plugs suit long periods of noise and work comfortably under other headgear, provided they are inserted correctly.
What does SNR mean on ear defenders?
SNR stands for Single Number Rating, a simple figure showing roughly how many decibels the protector reduces noise by. Choose a rating that brings noise at the ear to a safe level without cutting you off from alarms and colleagues.
Explore our ear protection range for ear defenders, plugs and helmet-mounted options, or ask our team for help matching protection to your noise assessment.
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