Which professional noise canceling headphones to choose?

Exercising in a noisy environment can affect the productivity and health of the professional, especially at the hearing level. According to European Directive 2003/10/EC, wearing hearing protection is mandatory when the noise level in the workplace exceeds 85 decibels. It is the duty of the employer to provide adequate PPE to employees, namely noise canceling headphones.

What are noise canceling headphones?

The noise-canceling headphones consists of an adjustable headband with two large isolating headphones. It is put on the ear while being connected by a hoop passing above the head of the wearer. Placed in the same way as molded earplugs or disposable plugs, this equipment is part of the Personal Protectors against Noise or PICB.

Why should you wear noise-canceling headphones?

The main reason is noise pollution. It is characterized by its frequency, high or low, as well as by its intensity. When these two factors become too high, the noise becomes dangerous.

Besides this comes other factors such as how long a worker is exposed to noise, their distance from the source of the noise, the type of noise they are faced with and their sensitivity to this disturbing element .

What types of professional noise canceling headphones to choose?

They are designed to attenuate ambient sounds using its two shells surrounding the ear. Being extremely comfortable and non-irritating, they come in different shapes and can be used by both men and women. There are active and passive noise canceling headphones, with or without Bluetooth technology, with or without sound modulation, and with or without integrated radio communication.

Passive noise canceling headphones for hearing protection

This type of helmet has no particular effect on noise. Its function is simply to attenuate them thanks to materials such as absorbent foam and polyether pads. It reduces harmful noise ranging from 20 dB up to 37 dB for the most efficient. It is the perfect model for professionals working alone and who do not need to speak regularly with those around them. It has the advantage of being economical and very effective.

The active noise-canceling headphones

It is particularly recommended for workers who need permanent protection against noise while remaining attentive to their surroundings. Its operation allows to have a sound modulation acting on the external sound environment. This system makes it possible to adapt the hearing protection according to the working environment, to amplify the weakest sounds and to attenuate the loudest sounds. Also, directional sounds such as voice are emphasized. A microphone is integrated to record the sounds before processing them and transmitting them through the loudspeaker. This version works with batteries.

The pro communicating headset

The communicating helmet allows communication with your team. It can connect to your telephone, your mobile, or your walkie-talkie, an asset for being able to take calls while working, while remaining protected.

The noise-canceling radio headset for your work

It reduces outside sounds while playing music or radio. This equipment is very interesting for boosting the motivation of professionals who have to perform daunting tasks.

The criteria to take into account when choosing noise-canceling headphones

To find the best headset for your work environment, there are a few things to consider.

• Wireless noise canceling headphones: it does not have an electronic noise reduction system. It leaves this mission to the materials of the pads.
• Wired noise canceling headphones: they incorporate an electronic noise attenuation device. This is a performance asset much appreciated by the worker.
• Comfort: The earpads should be firm enough to let the headphones fit snugly around your ears, without squeezing your head tightly. This is important to allow its user to be comfortable in his field of activity.
• Adjustment of the size: the model must be easily adjustable and easy to handle, especially at the level of the inclination of the pads, or at the level of the size of the headband of your noise-cancelling work headphones.
• Headphone attenuation level: Ideally, this should be less than 20 decibels. On the other hand, if you work in a particularly noisy place, opt for a construction helmet with an attenuation level of at least 30 decibels.

Don't forget that PPE: noise-canceling headphones, classic helmets or even safety shoes, safety trainers, must be completed with workwear: Work pants , overalls, or more specific workwear such as high visibility clothing.