Ear muffs are devices that many people wear as either protective hearing equipment or to protect their ears from cold weather. Thermal ear muffs or ear warmers keep ears protected against the cold, snow and rain. However, in many industries such as construction and manufacturing where workers can receive exposure to medium to high noise levels, ear muffs are important hearing protection devices needed to block out these sounds. When the noise level exceeds 90 decibels during an eight hour time period, employees in these environments should wear these safety devices as specified by certain government agencies.

Manufacturers can make different types of ear muffs that include electronic and acoustic (hearing protective equipment). These items are also available in many colors and different styles with features such as head bands or cap mount. When you need this product for your business, there are some points you should consider before making a purchase.

1. Determine the level of hearing protection you require before selecting ear muffs for your business.

2. Search for ear muffs manufacturers with a wide assortment of hearing protection products.

3. Connect with an ear muffs provider that offers quality ear muffs at great prices for your store.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find ear muffs information that can help you select the right products

When hearing ear muffs are to be utilized as hearing safety devices, manufacturers must label these items with a rating called NRR. This rating measures how well a hearing safety device reduces noise level in a given environment. If the intended use for an ear muff is noise control then you should find resources that can provide information on ratings, how to make a proper product selection based on industrial use and ear muffs manufacturers that make these devices.

I recommend: To select ear muff product by categories that include NRR, noise level and for ear muffs directory of products, go to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). NIOSH offers a hearing protector device compendium where you can search by category to find ear muff products and manufacturers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also provides good information on hearing protection devices and labeling requirements; also has appendices, noise level charts and standards.

Buy from an ear muffs distributor that carries diverse products and accessories

For most business owners, finding one good supplier with a huge inventory of different products can be cost -effective. Be efficient and save time by seeking out vendors that can supply all your business needs.

I recommend: Lab Safety Supply and Elvex are good sources for acoustic and electronic ear muffs with features that include cap-mount and AM/FM radio available in various NRR rating. At DiscountSafetyGear.com, you can find an ear muffs list of products by brand or type.

Stock up on ear muffs for your business

If a business owner is not well stocked, it can mean the loss of clients or customers. Select distributors that have quality products, good prices, discounts or sell in bulk to keep you in business and your customers well supplied at all times.

I recommend: At ABC Safetymart, you can find a good selection of different types and brands of ear muff products that include electronic, non-electronic and cap mount in a variety of NRR ratings; discount and wholesale prices are also offered. IndustrialSafetyGear.com is another source of these products at good prices; also offers wholesale prices to distributors.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When selecting ear muffs as hearing safety devices, you can get greater protection and noise reduction by choosing a product with a larger NRR. For greater protection, you can utilize two hearing protectors such as earplugs and ear muffs together.