Are Noise Cancelling Headphones Safe?
A reader has advised some of their staff have started wearing their own noise cancelling headphones in hearing protection (PPE) zones, so they can listen to music while they work, and asked two very good questions:
Will the workers hearing be protected with noise cancelling headphones, or will the music simply add to the noise level?
Will the music played in the headphones prevent workers hearing warnings eg vehicle horns, emergency alarms, or co-workers calling out?
Our good friends at 3M, who specialise in high-quality science-based work solutions, advise noise cancelling headphones are safe as long as they comply with the relevant Australian Standards eg AS 1270: Hearing Protectors.
The noise cancelling headphones, compliant with AS 1270, provide the stated noise reduction eg between 24 to 32 decibel reduction against ambient sources, but simultaneously allows music, radio or phone calls via Bluetooth from smart phones.
For example, 3M PELTOR brand Protac III headphones have built-in microphones that allow the wearer to hear desired music and ambient sounds, but limits the noise coming into the earmuff to a safe 82 decibels (dB). The benefit is unlike normal hearing protection, the wearer can hear machine sounds, warning signals or someone talking to them without removing their hearing protection.
3M brand noise cancelling headpones
Airpods do not protect hearing and are not PPE
Note: Air pods, even noise cancelling type, do not provide any hearing protection, as they are not designed to reduce harmful levels of ambient noise entering the ear, as properly designed earmuffs do when compliant with AS 1270.
There are varying models of noise cancelling headphones so check; the sound attenuation level provided against what you require, compliance with AS1270, and desired comfort level and whether helmet mounted or separate earmuffs.
WORLD HEARING DAY
There are 4 million Australians currently living with hearing loss. World Hearing day, held on the 3rd March, raises awareness on how to prevent unnecessary hearing loss and promotes better ear protection and health.
Over 80% of ear and hearing care needs remain unmet globally. Deeply ingrained social misperceptions and mindsets are key factors that limit efforts for preventing hearing loss.
World Hearing Day aims to:
Promote public health actions for hearing care;
Raise awareness of hearing loss at national and community levels across the world;
Encourage better behaviour towards healthy ear and hearing care (EHC) practices.
For More information visit The World Health Organization.
