Ear Plugs & Ear Defenders EN 352

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2 categorie · 45 modelli

Hearing protection: ear plugs and ear defenders

Noise damage is gradual and irreversible, so hearing protectors should be chosen using the data from the noise risk assessment. In this section you will find 45 items including ear plugs, dispensers and ear defenders, with the EN standards and SNR value shown on every product page.

EN 352 standards and the SNR value

EN 352-1: headband ear defenders.
EN 352-2: ear plugs, disposable or reusable.
EN 352-3: helmet-mounted ear defenders, certified with the helmets specified by the manufacturer.

SNR (Single Number Rating) is the average attenuation expressed in decibels; the H, M and L values indicate attenuation at high, medium and low frequencies. The higher the SNR, the more the protector reduces noise.

Choosing the attenuation

The aim is to bring the level at the ear to roughly between 70 and 80 dB(A): excessive protection isolates the worker, who cannot hear alarms, manoeuvring vehicles and colleagues, and tends to take the protector off. That is why there are low, medium and high attenuation ear defenders and low attenuation ear plugs. Italian Legislative Decree 81/08 requires protectors to be made available above 80 dB(A) and worn above 85 dB(A); as Category III PPE, training in their correct use is also required.

Plugs or defenders: by sector and use

The EN 352-2 ear plugs are light and comfortable in hot environments or with continuous exposure; detectable plugs are designed for the food industry, and dispensers keep a department supplied. EN 352-1 ear defenders go on and off in a moment and are ideal for intermittent exposure. On construction sites, helmet-mounted ear defenders are used, paired with compatible safety helmets or with the help of helmet accessories.

Hygiene and replacement

Disposable plugs are used only once; reusable ones must be washed and replaced when they lose their flexibility. On ear defenders, check the cushions: if they are hardened or cracked, seal and attenuation are reduced.

Quantities for businesses

Ear plugs in packs of up to 200 pairs and 500-pair dispensers with refills make department management easier. Items in Milan are dispatched within 24/48 working hours, with free shipping over 150 € + VAT; for large quantities you can request a quote.

Domande frequenti

What does the SNR value of ear plugs and ear defenders mean?

It is the protector's average attenuation in decibels, measured according to the standard. It should be compared with the levels in the noise risk assessment, not simply chosen as the highest available.

Above how many decibels is it mandatory to wear hearing protection?

Italian Legislative Decree 81/08 requires protectors to be made available above 80 dB(A) and worn above 85 dB(A). Reference levels come from the company's risk assessment.

Ear plugs or ear defenders: which is better?

Plugs are more comfortable with continuous exposure and in the heat; ear defenders go on and off easily and are practical for intermittent exposure. What matters most is that they are worn the whole time.

Can too much protection be a problem?

Yes, overprotection isolates the worker from alarms and communication and encourages them to remove the protector. The aim is a level at the ear of roughly 70 to 80 dB(A).

Is training required to use ear plugs and ear defenders?

Yes, hearing protectors are Category III PPE and Italian Legislative Decree 81/08 requires training in correct use, for example on how to insert ear plugs.

How should large quantities of ear plugs be managed for a department?

With packs of 200 pairs or 500-pair dispensers with refills. For regular supplies you can request a quote from the website.