Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent, and it is one of the most common occupational diseases in Australia. Under the WHS Regulations, workers must not be exposed to noise above the exposure standard: an average of 85 dB(A) over an eight-hour shift, or a peak of 140 dB(C). Quieter equipment, enclosures and distance come first; hearing protection is the last line of defence. This guide explains how to choose it.
How loud is too loud?
A simple rule of thumb: if you have to raise your voice to talk to someone a metre away, the noise is probably above the exposure standard and should be measured. Common culprits on Australian sites include angle grinders, concrete saws, jackhammers, compressors, heavy plant and impact tools. Safe Work Australia’s Code of Practice on managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work sets out how to assess and control it.
SLC80 and the AS/NZS 1270 classes
Every hearing protector sold in Australia is tested to AS/NZS 1270 and given an SLC80 rating — the noise reduction achieved by at least 80% of wearers in testing — and a class from 1 to 5. The selection guidance in AS/NZS 1269.3 matches the class to the measured noise level:
| Class | SLC80 | Noise level, 8-hour average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10–13 dB | Less than 90 dB(A) |
| 2 | 14–17 dB | 90 to less than 95 dB(A) |
| 3 | 18–21 dB | 95 to less than 100 dB(A) |
| 4 | 22–25 dB | 100 to less than 105 dB(A) |
| 5 | 26 dB or more | 105 dB(A) or more |
Higher isn’t always better. Over-protection makes it hard to hear alarms, reversing beepers and workmates, and people take uncomfortable protectors off — so choose the class that suits the measured noise.
Disposable and reusable earplugs
- 3M™ E-A-Rsoft™ FX™ Corded Earplugs, Poly Bag, 312-1260, 26dB (Class 5) (Box of 200 Pairs) — Class 5 foam plugs for crews.
- MaxiPlug Corded Ear Plugs - Class 5 - HEC644 (Box of 100 Pairs) — Class 5, SLC80 26 dB.
- 3M™ E-A-R™ Classic™ Uncorded Earplugs, Poly Bag 312-1201, Uncorded - 23dB (Class 4) (Box of 200) — Class 4, the classic yellow foam plug.
- 3M™ Corded Earplugs, Poly Bag, 1110, 21dB (Class 3) (Box of 100 Pairs) — Class 3 for moderate noise.
- ProChoice Prosil Reusable Corded Earplugs Class 3 - 18DB EPSC (Box of 50) — reusable silicone, Class 3.
Foam plugs only work if they’re rolled, inserted and held until they expand. Poor insertion is the main reason plugs under-perform, so train people on fitting.
Banded earplugs
Bands suit people who move in and out of noisy areas all day. The ProChoice Proband Headband Earplugs HBEP (1 x Complete Set With Bonus Replacement Earplug Pads) is Class 2 (SLC80 14 dB), and the uvex Xact-Band Banded Earplugs 2125.372 (Pack of 5) is Class 4 (SLC80 22 dB).
Earmuffs
- 3M™ PELTOR™ Optime™ II Headband Format Earmuff, 32dB (Class 5) H520A (Each) — Class 5, 32 dB.
- 3M™ PELTOR™ X5 Premium Headband Earmuffs, 35dB Class 5 — for the loudest tools and plant.
- uvex K4 Earmuffs 2610.004 (Each) — Class 5, SLC80 35 dB.
- Python Slimline Earmuffs Class5, -31DB EMPYTS (Each) — slimline Class 5, SLC80 31 dB.
- 3M™ PELTOR™ Welders Earmuffs, 22dB (Class 4), H505B (Each) — neckband muffs that fit under a welding helmet.
Hard hat earmuffs
Helmet-mounted muffs clip into the slots on most hard hats: the 3M™ PELTOR™ X5 Helmet Mounted Earmuffs, 31dB (Class 5), X5P3GS/E (Class 5, 31 dB), the 3M™ PELTOR™ Optime™ II Helmet Attach Earmuff, 29dB (Class 5) H520P3GS/E (Each) and the ProChoice Viper Hard Hat Earmuffs Class 5, 26DB HHEM. Electrical workers can choose the 3M™ PELTOR™ X5 Dielectric Premium Helmet Mounted Earmuffs, 31dB (Class 5), X5P5E/G (Each).
Electronic and communication earmuffs
Level-dependent earmuffs let quiet sounds such as speech through while blocking harmful noise, and headset models connect to radios or phones.
- 3M™ PELTOR™ ProTac™ III Headset Headband Format Earmuff, 32dB (Class 5) MT13H221A (Each) — level-dependent, Class 5.
- 3M™ PELTOR™ WS™ ALERT™ XPI Headset Headband Format Earmuff, 30dB (Class 5) MRX21A3WS6-AZ (Each) — Bluetooth® and FM, Class 5.
- uvex aXess one Bluetooth Ear Muff SLC80 27dB Class 5 2640.001 (Each) — Bluetooth® earmuff, Class 5, SLC80 27 dB.
- 3M™ PELTOR™ CH-3 FLX2 Headset with PTT Headband Format Earmuff, 31dB (Class 5) MT74H52A-111 (Each) — push-to-talk radio headset.
Fit testing
A protector’s class is a lab result; the real protection depends on fit. The 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System 393-1100 and the uvex xact-fit test 2124099 (Each) measure how much protection each worker actually gets from their plugs.
Audiometric testing
Where workers frequently need hearing protectors because noise exceeds the exposure standard, the WHS Regulations require employers to provide audiometric testing within three months of the worker starting, and then at least every two years.
Care and replacement
- Throw away disposable foam plugs after use.
- Wash reusable plugs in mild soapy water and store them in a case.
- Replace earmuff cushions and foam with the manufacturer’s hygiene kit when they harden or crack.
- Check headbands for lost tension — a loose muff loses protection.
Browse the full hearing protection range, or see our hard hat guide for compatible helmets.
Frequently asked questions
What is the noise exposure standard in Australia?
Under the WHS Regulations, the exposure standard is an average of 85 dB(A) over an eight-hour shift, or a peak of 140 dB(C).
What does SLC80 mean?
SLC80 is the sound level conversion rating from AS/NZS 1270 testing: the noise reduction achieved by at least 80% of wearers. It sets the protector’s class, from Class 1 (10–13 dB) to Class 5 (26 dB or more).
Which hearing protection class do I need?
Match the class to the measured 8-hour noise level: Class 1 below 90 dB(A), Class 2 for 90–95, Class 3 for 95–100, Class 4 for 100–105, and Class 5 for 105 dB(A) or more.
How often do workers need hearing tests?
Where workers frequently need hearing protectors because noise exceeds the exposure standard, audiometric testing must be provided within three months of starting work and at least every two years after that.
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