EN 352 – Hearing protectors, general requirements
Selection of appropriate hearing protection in accordance with EN 352 depends on the specific working conditions and the type of noise occurring at the workplace. Requirements for hearing protection are regulated accordingly and classified into the following types:EarplugsEarmuffsHearing protection helmetsNoise protection suits
To meet the EN352 standards, hearing protection is tested in the following areas (subject to product type):Materials and constructionSizing and adjustabilityCup rotationHeadband forceCushion pressureResistance to damage when droppedChange in headband forceResistance to leakageIgnitabilityMinimum attenuationMarkingInformation supplied by the manufacturer
EN 352-1 – Hearing protectors – Ear muffs
Earmuffs in accordance with standard EN 352-1 are defined as hearing protectors that enclose each of the wearer’s external ears with a functional capsule. As it is often desirable to frequently put on and take off ear protection in areas with variable noise exposure, earmuffs are recommended for such environments. requirements for earmuffs attached to industrial safety helmets (part 3)safety requirements and tests of level-dependent earmuffs (part 4)safety requirements and tests on earmuffs with active noise compensation (part 5)safety requirements and tests on earmuffs with communication devices (part 6)
EN 352-2 – Hearing protectors – Ear plugs
EN 352-2 defines earplugs as all hearing protectors that are worn directly in the auditory canal or ear cavity.
According to the regulations, use of earplugs is recommended:for continuous noise (lower frequencies)when earmuffs tend to cause strong sweatingwhen also wearing safety spectacleswhen wearing other protective equipment such as head protection or face protectiontogether with earmuffs for brief periods of extreme noiseWhile the general requirements for earplugs are regulated in EN 352-2, part 7 describes the safety requirements and tests for level-dependent earplugs.
EN 352-3 – Hearing protectors – Ear muffs attached to a safety helmet
Standard EN 352-3 describes all earmuffs that are directly attached to industrial safety helmets.
EN 352 Parts 4 to 8
From part 4 onwards, the EN352 series deals with the safety requirements and testing methods for additional functions built into hearing protectors.
An example of this is a ‘level dependent’ function, covered in EN 352-7. Level dependent ear plugs are designed to provide restoration of external sounds, while also providing attenuation of sound at high sound pressure levels. Other additional functions include active noise reduction and audio communications.
The full list of additional hearing protection functions covered by EN 352 below:EN 352-4:2001 – Hearing protectors – Level dependent ear muffs (Amended 2006)EN 352-5:2002 – Hearing protectors – Active noise reduction ear muffs (Amended 2006)EN 352-6:2002 – Hearing protectors – Ear muffs with electrical audio inputEN 352-7:2002 – Hearing protectors – Level dependent ear plugsEN 352-8:2008 – Hearing protectors – Entertainment audio ear muffs
How to choose hearing protection
Every hearing protection product will come with an SNR(Single Number Rating) , and this allows you to compare the protection offered by different products in order for you to make the best decision. The higher the SNR level, the more protection the product gives.
Here are the SNRs required to remain compliant at various noise levels:
| Noise Level | Minimum SNR | Ideal SNR | Maximum SNR |
| 85 dB | 5 | 9 – 14 | 18 |
| 90 dB | 10 | 14 – 19 | 23 |
| 95 dB | 15 | 19 – 24 | 28 |
| 100 dB | 20 | 24 – 29 | 33 |
| 105 dB | 25 | 29 – 34 | 38 |
| 110 dB | 30 | 34 – 39 | 43 |
