Worker using hearing protection PPE.
Many sounds, one sense of hearing. Protect it!

Noise Induced Hearing Loss

  • Hearing loss is a common occupational illness around the world. Almost 25% of workers will suffer from long-lasting hearing impairment.

    Did you know that hearing loss is one of the most common occupational illness around the world?

    Every day, millions of workers are exposed to noisy working conditions. Almost 25% of them will suffer from long-lasting hearing impairment. The scale of the problem is so big, that in the U.S. alone, hearing loss is the third most chronic physical condition, after heart disease and arthritis.

    3M recognizes the problem as one of the biggest challenges in worker’s health protection. That’s why we offer you better insight into this problem, along with made to measure solutions, that include hearing protection program and wide range of innovative safety products!

How quickly is the damage done?

Our hearing is vulnerable to hazardous noise. Hearing loss can be caused by a one-time exposure to an intense noise. Repeated exposure to sound greater than 85 dBA can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus – constant “ringing” in the ears. Not only does it impair the ability to hear other sounds, but noise exposure is also associated with headache, increased stress and fatigue.Our hearing is vulnerable to hazardous noise. Hearing loss can be caused by a one-time exposure to an intense noise. Repeated exposure to sound greater than 85 dBA can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus – constant “ringing” in the ears. Not only does it impair the ability to hear other sounds, but noise exposure is also associated with headache, increased stress and fatigue.

  • Without hearing protection, exposure to hazardous noise can cause damage  in seconds.

    It’s worth knowing that typically, hearing is damaged gradually. The accumulated damage may become perceptible after several years of working in noise. By then, the changes are likely to be irreversible.  But, hearing damage due to noise can be prevented.

    Without hearing protection
    At 85 decibels your hearing is at risk after 8 hours
    At 91 decibels your hearing is at risk after 2 hours
    At 105 decibels your hearing is at risk after only 5 minutes
    At 115 decibels your hearing is at risk within seconds
    At 140 decibels immediate hearing damage and pain is possible

  • Young daughter whispering to father

    Hearing loss affects more than hearing

    We all love different sounds: the sound of child’s laughter, cat’s purring, flowing river, bird singing, music or car’s finely tuned engine. All of us have just one sense of hearing so we should protect it because hearing loss causes many additional consequences.

    Hearing loss makes the communication much harder. People with significant hearing damage often withdraw from the society, as they can not participate fully even in a simple conversation. It’s a life without a bird song, that leads to loneliness and depression. Let’s protect our hearing to be able to listen to the sound we love to hear.

Worker using PPE
Hearing loss is 100% irreversible, it’s also 100% preventable!

As serious and irreversible hearing loss is, it is also completely preventable. 3M as a world leader of hearing protection developed complex solutions to provide maximum safety in noisy working environment. Discover some of the solutions that help to prevent hearing loss.

3M Hearing Protection & Communication PPE

  • 3M offers a wide range of innovative hearing protection products, including protection that also allows for clear communication. Discover the right protection solutions for your employees.

  • 3M™ E-A-R™ Flexible Fit Earplug
    3M™ E-A-R™ Flexible Fit Earplug
    • Firm, yet flexible stem for one or two hand insertion
    • Soft foam stem for secure grip
    • No roll down of soft foam tip helps keep ear tip clean
    • Good for workers with gloved or dirty hands
  • 3M™ PELTOR™ X4 Earmuffs
    3M™ PELTOR™ X4 Earmuffs
    • Over-the-head hearing protection with Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 27 dB for moderate to high noise exposures
    • Low-profile cup design for improved compatibility with other personal protection equipment (PPE)
    • Twin headband design helps reduce heat buildup with good fit and balance
    • Earcups tilt to ensure customized fit and comfort for individual users
  • 3M™ PELTOR™ WS™ LiteCom PRO III Headset
    3M™ PELTOR™ WS™ LiteCom PRO III Headset
    • Protective communication solution for hands-free, clear communication in noisy environments
    • Helps provide hearing protection when exposed to hazardous noise
    • Programmable analog and DMR two-way communication radio with up to 70 channels
    • Environmental listening technology helps provide protection when it’s loud, as well as helps workers hear environmental sounds when it’s not

3M Center for Hearing Conservation

Discover our unique program of Hearing Conservation to help you provide workers with the best protection against hazardous noise. From noise measurement to program evaluation – 3M offers support on every stage of work!

Complete all the steps to prevent hearing loss. Measure, control, protect, check, train, record, and evaluate.