Industrial Hearing Protection Guide with RONCO’s HUSH™ Hearing Protection

Noise may be part of the job, but permanent hearing damage should not be.

Workers in construction, manufacturing, automotive, food processing, mining, agriculture, warehousing and other industrial environments can be exposed to loud machinery, power tools, compressors, engines, and production equipment throughout the day. Repeated exposure can contribute to noise induced hearing loss and tinnitus while making it harder to hear instructions, alarms, vehicles, and coworkers.

NIOSH considers repeated workplace noise exposure at 85 dBA or higher hazardous. In Canada, 85 dBA is also the eight-hour criterion level in most jurisdictions, although employers must always follow the requirements applicable to their location and workplace. (CDC)

Why Workplace Hearing Protection Matters

Noise induced hearing loss is often permanent, but it is preventable. Protecting workers’ hearing can also support clearer communication, greater situational awareness, improved concentration, and safer job performance.

The first step should always be reducing noise at its source through engineering or administrative controls. When hazardous noise cannot be adequately controlled, properly selected and fitted hearing protection devices, such as industrial earplugs and safety earmuffs, help reduce workers’ exposure. (CDC)

Earplugs or Earmuffs: Which Hearing Protection Is Right?

There is no single hearing protector that works best for every worker or application.

Disposable foam earplugs are lightweight, compact and well suited for continuous wear. Their expandable foam helps create a seal inside the ear canal.

Reusable earplugs are washable, durable, and cost effective for workplaces that require frequent hearing protection.

Metal detectable earplugs provide added contamination control support for food and beverage processing environments and pharmaceutical.

Safety earmuffs are quick to put on and remove, making them a practical choice for intermittent noise exposure. They also make workplace compliance easier to see.

Comfort, fit, hygiene, compatibility with other PPE and the length of time the protection will be worn should all be considered during product selection.

Explore the RONCO HUSH™ Hearing Protection Range

RONCO HUSH™ offers disposable earplugs, reusable earplugs, metal detectable hearing protection, high visibility earmuffs and an easy access earplug dispenser.

Disposable Foam Earplugs

HUSH™ 14 Series: NRR 33
Made from soft, low pressure polyurethane foam, the HUSH™ 14 Series features a tapered bullet shape for a comfortable seal. It is available in corded, uncorded, and dispenser refill formats, providing a versatile hearing protection solution for high noise environments. Corded and uncorded options are individually packaged for hygienic workplace distribution. (RONCO Safety)

HUSH™ 13 Series: NRR 32
The HUSH™ 13 Series offers comfortable disposable foam earplugs in corded, uncorded and dispenser refill options. Individually packaged formats help support hygienic distribution across busy workplaces. (RONCO Safety)

HUSH™ 50-33C: NRR 32
These corded single use earplugs feature soft, low-pressure foam, a bell-shaped design and a bright citron colour for improved visibility. Individually wrapped pairs make them convenient for workplace distribution and storage. (RONCO Safety)

Metal Detectable Earplugs

HUSH™ 50-15CD: NRR 32
Designed for food processing and other contamination-controlled environments, these corded disposable earplugs include an enclosed metal ball bearing for metal detection along with 100% detectable PVC cord. The soft foam and tapered shape provide effective noise protection with comfortable wear.

HUSH™ 50-25CD: NRR 25
Made from reusable thermoplastic rubber, these corded earplugs feature curved flanges, detectable metal rings, and a bright blue colour. They are easy to clean and particularly suitable for food and beverage processing applications. A hygienic carrying case supports convenient storage between uses. (RONCO Safety)

Reusable Industrial Earplugs

HUSH™ 50-23C: NRR 25
These washable thermoplastic rubber earplugs feature curved flanges for an effective seal, a corded design, and a hygienic carrying case. Their bright citron colour also makes workplace safety checks easier. (RONCO Safety)

High Visibility Safety Earmuffs

HUSH™ 50-436: NRR 23
The HUSH™ 50 436 is a lightweight, high visibility yellow, multiposition earmuff. Its dielectric construction and adjustable positioning support compatibility with other PPE, such as hard hats, and use in electrical environments. (RONCO Safety)

HUSH™ 50-443: NRR 28
This high visibility green dielectric earmuff combines a flexible headband, soft cushions and durable ABS earcups. Its dielectric construction supports use in electrical environments. It offers easy to wear hearing protection for intermittent or extended workplace use. (RONCO Safety)

The HUSH™ hearing protection products highlighted above meet ANSI S3.19:1974 requirements according to their respective RONCO product information. (RONCO Safety)

How to Choose the Right Hearing Protection

Consider five important factors:

1. Workplace noise level: Complete a noise assessment and select an appropriate Noise Reduction Rating (NRR).
2. Comfort and fit: Workers are more likely to consistently wear hearing protection that fits comfortably.
3. Work environment: Consider metal detectability, electrical hazards, hygiene requirements, and product visibility.
4. Compatibility with other PPE: Hard hats, safety glasses, respirators and other equipment must not interfere with the hearing protector.
5. Duration of exposure: Disposable earplugs may be suitable for continuous wear, while earmuffs can be more convenient for intermittent noise.

More attenuation is not always better. NIOSH recommends selecting enough protection to bring exposure into an appropriate range while avoiding overprotection that could interfere with communication or awareness. Individual fit testing can help verify the actual protection achieved by each worker. (CDC)

Proper Fit, Use and Maintenance

For foam earplugs, roll the plug into a narrow shape, pull the ear upward and backward, insert the plug and hold it in place until it expands.

Reusable earplugs should be cleaned and inspected regularly.

Earmuff cushions must create a complete seal around the ears. Eyewear, hair, or damaged cushions can reduce their effectiveness.

Workers should receive training and hearing protection fit testing whenever possible. (OSHA)

Build a Stronger Hearing Conservation Program

Hearing protection should be part of a complete workplace hearing conservation program that includes:

• Noise monitoring and exposure assessment
• Engineering and administrative noise controls
• Appropriate hearing protection PPE
• Worker education and fit training
• Hearing tests and program recordkeeping

A hearing conservation program should be developed when monitoring confirms that workers are exposed at or above applicable occupational noise limits. (CCOHS)

Protect Hearing at Work and for Life

Hearing damage can develop gradually, making it easy to overlook until it becomes permanent. Consistent use of properly selected industrial hearing protection helps protect workers today while preserving their ability to communicate, work safely, and enjoy everyday life.

Explore the complete RONCO HUSH™ hearing protection range and request a free evaluation sample for your qualified business or workplace.