Blog

09 Aug 2016

How do I fit my custom moulded earplugs

How do I fit my custom moulded earplugs?

With custom moulded earplugs an accurate fit and proper protection is assured. A pair of custom moulded earplugs are streets ahead of disposables, and consequently the fitting is a little different. In this blog we are going to explain step by step how to fit our earplugs, with the help of our Managing Director Richard…

But before that….many of you ask…

How is the shape of my ear moulded?

We carefully take an ‘impression’ of your ear shape before we produce your plugs. You can see how impressions are taken before they are manufactured into ProtectHear® with our personally moulded earplugs process blog.

How to fit – an easy guide….

Firstly you need to identify which earplug is for which ear, this is easy as the right ear plug is marked with a red dot.

Before attempting to fit the earplug you should make sure your hands are clean, holding the plug with the index finger and thumb with the flat side facing away from the ear.

Place the earplug canal into the ear canal, gently twisting the ear plug back until it slides easily into the ear.

Once the earplug is secured in the bottom half of the ear, place the earplug helix into the top of your ear.

Ensuring the fit is correct is important; gently push the flat area of the earplug into the bowl for both ears.

But how do you remove them?

Removing is simple…

Using clean hands press on the back of the earflap with index finger, to lift earplug away from the ear bowl.

Smoothly slide your index finger and grip the front of the ear plug using your thumb.

From there gently twist the earplug forward to remove safely.

How do I maintain my earplugs?

We have our full FAQs on how to properly maintain our earplugs.

Any questions? Give us a call or drop us a line.

25 Jul 2016

Earplugs – The true cost of disposables…

The Truth about Disposable Earplugs….

Disposable earplugs are used widely across noisy work areas and are seen as a cheap solution, but are they really?

Disposable earplugs may cost a small amount and may seem like a cost saving solution in the short term, but in the long term there can be huge costs associated with them.

The PPE budgetary cost of disposable earplugs….

Disposables cannot be worn all day; people tend to wear 3-6 sets a day! This over a year is 720-1440 pairs for a full time employee (excluding holiday 4 weeks).

The health costs of disposable earplugs…..

Health risks to employees could be costly as the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) estimates that around 40% of people who use disposables aren’t fitting them correctly. This 40% do not have the full protection they require and it could be putting them at risk of NIHL (Noise Induced Hearing Loss, or Industrial Deafness).

The potential claims costs of disposable earplugs….

Claims as regards NIHL are on the rise, over the last 5 years the notification of NIHL claims has increased by more than 300% according to the Insurance Times. We visualise it growing rapidly and if employers want to fully protect themselves from these claims, then appropriate hearing protection should be high on the agenda.

Personally moulded hearing protection such as ProtectHear® earplugs protects the user fully. They have a lifespan of 5 years, making them eco-friendly by reducing landfill. The initial cost outlay may be higher than disposables but the saving over a five year period is staggering. We can show you a payback period within 12-18 months on average, after the money has being saved.

Our cost saving calculator is a great tool to find out how much you can save with ProtectHear® in comparison to disposables. Find it here and let the numbers do the talking.

13 Jun 2016

Custom Earplugs – What’s the benefit?

Custom Earplugs – Points to Consider…

Custom earplugs are an alternative to ear defenders and disposables, with a very distinct difference. They are individually suited to each user, moulded to your ear shape which provides you with protection as well other long term benefits.

The HSE’s View on Custom Earplugs

A market survelliance report was carried out by the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) to find the benefits and drawbacks of custom earplugs. They compared five models, and we were model C in the testing – ProtectHear® proved to be the most user friendly out of all five – read the report.

It has been proved in the main findings of real world use and performance of hearing protection that only 60% of people that are using hearing protection are actually fully protected. This is why it is very important to implement appropriate products or educate people so that employees (and employers!) are fully protected.

Being fitted for a custom product is a quick and simple process that takes five minutes. Our fully qualified team members take an impression of each individuals ear shape, which offers guaranteed protection to a safe attenuated level. Manufactured with a soft silicone our product allows the user to wear the product all day with no discomfort, they are washable and come with their own carry case. over five years the product offers significant savings compared to disposable earplugs. To find our more please contact us.

03 Jun 2016

Industrial Deafness – It can be stopped!

Industrial Deafness – What is it?

Industrial deafness is hearing loss due to a working environment where you are not fully protected from high levels of noise. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have Noise: Employers responsibilities – legal duties that if a workplace is 85 dB or above, hearing protection is mandatory – if the levels are 80 dB then advice and options should be given. Companies must now abide under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.

How Can it be Prevented?

Noise Control – The noise can be controlled by reducing or eliminating it at source, so the noise will be below the mandatory/advisory level.

Hearing Protection – providing hearing protection to employees is another option, there are many forms of protection used such as disposables, ear defenders and custom moulded ear plugs.

How can ProtectHear® help?

Our ear plugs fully protect all users as they are perfectly suited to each individual. The soft silicone makes it a comfortable product that can be worn all day, yet still allow communication, whilst attenuating loud noises to a safe level. Our main product is a step in the right direction for preventing any future claims as a result of industrial deafness.

If you are already affected by industrial deafness we do have solutions for you… Our electronic products act as a hearing protector for the hard of hearing in the working environment. This clever technology allows you to communicate when needed with the product, and is equipped with volume settings.

Contact us for more information.

24 May 2016

Listen UP – Hearing Protection is important!

The HSE Listen UP is a hearing conference that was held in Radisson Blu Hotel Manchester Airport which commenced the 2nd March 2016. The event discussed the importance of hearing and why it shouldn’t be taken for granted. This was a great opportunity for all the Health and Safety enthusiasts to reach out to others, and share knowledge and experience.

Employers have a duty of care to protect employees, by providing the correct hearing protection. This is a forever growing issue which needs to be stopped in its tracks, to prevent the amount of Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) claims and look after health. Hearing is not something to take for granted; it is equally as important as any other of our senses.

Our product is perfectly designed to tackle these issues, as they guarantee protection. ProtectHear® perfectly fit the ears, protecting you but also allowing noises that pass through to be attenuated to a safe level. This allows users to be protected yet still enable them to hear warning signals and conversation. Made from a soft material that can be worn all day without discomfort. We also strive to provide education with our hearing protection solution, offering toolbox talks across companies. Our product has a 5 year lifespan with a 12 month warranty. With ProtectHear® you are not just buying a product, you are buying access to a high level of service as well.

Contact us for more information on how to implement best of breed hearing protection into your organisation.

10 May 2016

Custom Made Ear Plugs Presented at The SHE Show South

Hearing Protection at the SHE Show 2016

ProtectHear® are pleased to be attending the first SHE Show of the year, presented by Washington Dowling and kicking off in Milton Keynes. This show is the first of three and it is located at the DoubleTree by Hilton. The show offers education for delegates, as well as giving Health and Safety representatives the opportunity to showcase useful and preventative products and services to the sector.

We have been exhibiting at the SHE Show now for many years and it has proved to be successful year after year as NIHL and hearing conservation awareness increases. We are proud suppliers to many large companies such as Network Rail, Ball Packaging, Weetabix etc and our ‘Try Before you Buy’ and cost saving calculator tools also prove popular.

The Show is on Tuesday 17th May, come visit our stand to find out more about our products/services and how we can help you conserve hearing and fight the battle against Noise Induced Hearing Loss.

Use #SHEShowSouth to get involved and follow @TheSHEShow1