How do you choose hearing protection that actually works?

1 hour ago

4 min read

Factory workers in work wear and yellow hard hats walking through an industrial production hall

Short answer: choose protection that brings each wearer's actual exposure below the legal limit, fits properly and stays on for the whole time they are in noise. Under the Noise Exposure Regulations, 2024 that limit is 85 dBA, or 82 dBA where people are also exposed to ototoxic chemical agents or whole-body vibration. Hearing protection comes last, after the noise itself has been reduced as far as reasonably practicable.

The regulations were published as Government Notice 5953 in Government Gazette 52226 on 6 March 2025 and took effect on publication. They replaced the Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Regulations, 2003, which were repealed on 6 September 2026. Regulation 12 deals with hearing protective devices (HPDs).

What the law requires

Last line of defence: regulation 10 requires exposure to be eliminated where reasonably practicable, or otherwise reduced with engineering, maintenance and administrative controls. HPDs are required where that is not reasonably practicable (regulation 12(1)).
A clear target: regulation 12(2)(a) requires HPDs to reduce exposure to below the noise-rating limit (85 dBA, or 137 dBC peak), or below the noise action level (82 dBA, or 135 dBC peak) where there is concomitant exposure to ototoxic chemical agents and/or whole-body vibration. The regulations define an HPD as a device with "the proven capability of reducing actual noise exposure" to those levels.
Seven selection factors: under regulation 12(2)(b), HPDs must be correctly selected, fitted and properly used, taking into account the nature and characteristics of the noise, the type of work, the physical effort, how long they will be worn, visibility, comfort and communication, compatibility with other personal protective equipment, and any recommendations of the occupational health practitioner.
Condition and storage: HPDs must be kept in good condition and be readily available (regulation 12(2)). Reusable HPDs must be kept hygienic, with separate containers or storage when not in use (regulation 12(3)).
Training and use: before exposure, employees must be trained in the inspection, use, care, maintenance, limitations and disposal of HPDs (regulation 4(4)(g)). They must use, store and dispose of HPDs as trained, and report damage immediately (regulation 5(2)).
Medical fitness: in medical screening, the occupational medicine practitioner must consider whether an employee has a health condition that impacts the proper use of HPDs (regulation 9(2)(b)).

The regulations name no standard for rating HPDs. The explanatory notes, which are guidance rather than law, suggest getting written confirmation from the manufacturer, importer or supplier that the chosen HPDs provide the correct attenuation to reduce exposure to below the legislated limits.

Enough protection, not the most

Selection starts with measured noise levels per area and task: the "nature and characteristics of the noise" in regulation 12(2)(b) is measured, not guessed.

More attenuation is not always better. A device that blocks too much makes it hard to hear colleagues, radios and warning signals. People then lift a muff or loosen a plug to talk, and the protection is lost. Regulation 12(2)(b) makes visibility, comfort and communication part of the selection. Aim for a device that brings exposure below the limit with a sensible margin, rather than the highest rating on the shelf.

Wear time matters. Decibels are logarithmic, so a few minutes without protection in a very loud area can make up much of a shift's exposure. A comfortable device that stays on protects better than a stronger one that comes off.

Fit, comfort and other PPE

Fit: earplugs only work when inserted correctly, and ear canals differ. Earmuffs need an unbroken seal; safety-glasses arms, hair or a cap under the cushions break it.
The work: in hot, heavy work, muffs become uncomfortable and plugs may suit better.
Other PPE: check compatibility with hard hats, respirators, face shields and welding helmets, as regulation 12(2)(b)(vi) requires.
Choice: the explanatory notes stress consultation at the workplace on fitting and selection. Offering two or three suitable types helps people find one they will keep on.

Check that it is working

Issuing HPDs does not prove protection. Check inside noise zones that they are worn correctly, all the time.

Audiometry is the outcome measure. Under the Code of Practice for Audiometry, a standard threshold shift of 10 dB to less than 25 dB requires the employer to investigate the effectiveness of controls, including HPDs, and compliance with their correct use, and to set how often the employee is retrained.

A quick self-check

Check that your HPD choice is based on measured levels per area and task, not one product for the whole site.
Ask your supplier for written confirmation that the chosen HPDs give enough attenuation for those levels.
Watch five people put on their HPDs, and check plug insertion or the muff seal with glasses and hard hats.
Check for separate storage, clean reusable HPDs and stock at zone entrances.
Review audiometry for threshold shifts, and check that each one led to a look at HPD fit and use.

How Qualitas can help

Qualitas Occupational Consulting is a Department of Employment and Labour Approved Inspection Authority and a SANAS-accredited (ISO/IEC 17020) inspection body for asbestos, lead, noise and hazardous chemical agents. Our noise surveys measure 8-hour rating levels per area and task, the starting point for choosing HPDs with the right attenuation, and recommend practical ways to reduce noise at source, in a report written for management, SHEQ teams and auditors.

Not sure what your site needs? Start with our free Compliance Gap Analysis, request a quote, or call or WhatsApp 082 649 6599.

This article summarises the Noise Exposure Regulations, 2024 (Government Notice 5953, Government Gazette 52226, 6 March 2025) for general guidance. It is not legal advice; refer to the regulations and the Code of Practice for Audiometry for the full requirements.

Christo de Wet is a SAIOH-registered occupational hygienist with 15 years' experience and the founder of Qualitas Occupational Consulting.