Document ID: EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0024-0051
Agency: epa
Document Type: Supporting & Related Material
Title: 
Posted Date: 2009-08-05T04:00Z

Examples of User Information & Instructions

on 3M Hearing Protector Packages

Submitted to EPA on April 12, 2007, for consideration during development
of revised hearing protector labeling regulation 40 CFR part 211

For more information, contact:  

Ted Madison

Technical Service Specialist

3M Center Building 0235-02-E-91

Saint Paul MN  55144-1000

Phone: 651-575-5575

e-mail:  tkmadison@mmm.com

Intended Use

When worn properly, ear plugs help reduce exposure to loud sounds
produced during recreational activities, such as concerts, motorcycle
riding, snowmobiling, or sporting events, and when using power tools and
equipment such as drills, hand sanders, lawn mowers, garden tractors,
and gas-powered leaf blowers/trimmers.  When equipment is used
improperly or not properly maintained, the actual sound level produced
may be much higher than the estimates used to make these
recommendations.   

For very loud sounds, such as chain saws, circular saws, hammer drills,
jack hammers, fireworks and gunfire, 3M recommends wearing ear muffs and
ear plugs at the same time for additional noise reduction.  3M offers a
variety of ear muffs which can be worn with ear plugs for additional
noise reduction.  Visit www.3M.com/occsafety for more information.  

Persons wearing hearing protectors for occupational noise exposure
should be enrolled in a hearing conservation program. If you are wearing
hearing protectors for protection from noise outside of work, you should
have a hearing evaluation by an audiologist, physician, or other
qualified professional, on a regular basis

Fitting Instructions

Fit your ear plugs before entering a hazardous noise area.

With clean hands, roll ear plug between thumb and fingers until plug
diameter is as small as possible. 

Reach over your head with the opposite hand and pull top of ear to open
ear canal. Push rolled end of plug into ear, leaving enough of the ear
plug outside of the ear canal to allow removal. 

Hold finger on the end of ear plug until the plug expands to seal the
ear (about 10 seconds). 

Here is the ear plug correctly inserted in the ear canal. For best fit,
at least 1/2 to 3/4 of the ear plug should be inside your ear canal.

Checking the Fit

Always fit ear plugs so that they seal the ear closed.

When plugs are correctly inserted, your voice should sound hollow and
sounds around you should not sound as loud as before.

Gently pull on the ear plug; it should not move easily.  If the plug
moves easily, remove it and carefully re-insert it deeper into the ear
canal.

Re-check the fit often during the time that you wear them.  If ear plugs
become loose, you will get less protection in noise.  

Note: The size and shape of each ear is unique.  If you are unable to
fit these ear plugs correctly and comfortably in both ears, consider
wearing a different size or type of hearing protector.

Removing Earplugs

For greater comfort, twist the plug gently while removing it.

CAUTION:  If you notice symptoms such as a temporary decrease in hearing
ability or a ringing / buzzing sound in your ears, you may not be
fitting the ear plugs properly for adequate noise reduction.  If this
happens, review the fitting instructions and re-fit the ear plugs deeper
into the ear canals.  If you continue to notice these symptoms, 3M
recommends wearing ear muffs and ear plugs at the same time or limiting
the time you are exposed to the loud sound to less than 1 hour per day.

Care and Replacement

Always wash and rinse your hands before fitting ear plugs.

Do not wash and re-use foam ear plugs.

Replace dirty ear plugs with a new pair.

Look closely at the ear plugs for damage each time you put them on.  If
you see a tear or other damage, throw the plugs away and get new ones.  

CAUTION:  Re-inserting dirty or soiled ear plugs into your ears may
cause discomfort and/or skin irritation in the ear canal. Do not use
hand creams or lotions immediately before rolling ear plugs and
inserting them into your ears, as these substances may damage the ear
plugs.  Do not attempt to clean foam ear plugs with alcohol or other
disinfectants that may damage the ear plugs.

WARNING

These hearing protectors help reduce exposure to hazardous noise and
other loud sounds. Misuse or failure to wear hearing protectors at all
times that you are exposed to noise may result in hearing loss or
injury. For proper use, see User Instructions, or call 3M in USA at
1-800-247-3941. In Canada, call Technical Service at1-800-267-4414. If
your outer ear, ear drum or middle ear have been damaged due to illness
or injury or if you are experiencing ear drainage, consult with your
physician before wearing ear plugs.  Keep away from infants and small
children. Choking hazard

 

Range of Noise Reduction

The average noise reduction provided by this hearing protection device
(HPD) when worn properly has been evaluated using numerous laboratory
test methods (see Table 1).  On average, persons with little experience
in wearing HPDs and little or no training in proper fitting of HPDs
achieved less noise reduction in these tests.  Experienced HPD wearers,
who were trained in proper use of this device, achieved higher noise
reduction.  Differences between hearing protector ratings of less than 3
dB are not important.  Far more significant is the amount of time you
wear the hearing protectors relative to the amount of time you are
exposed to noise.

 

Estimating Noise Reduction for Individual Users

HPD performance ratings and classifications are based on the average
noise reduction obtained by participants in a laboratory test.  The
actual noise reduction you obtain depends on how well the device fits
your ears, whether you properly fit the device, and how long you wear
it.  Research suggests that the NRR may overestimate the protection
provided by hearing protectors during typical use.  3M recommends
reducing the NRR by 50% for estimating the average amount of noise
reduction provided.

Selecting Hearing Protectors

3M recommends that you select the most comfortable HPD among those with
adequate noise reduction rather than selecting the device with the
highest rating.  Research indicates that comfort is a better predictor
of effective protection because comfortable HPDs are more likely to be
worn properly and worn for the entire time of noise exposure.  You
should also consider:  the hearing protector noise reduction; your daily
noise exposure; variations in the noise level; your preference;
communication needs; your hearing ability; compatibility with other
safety equipment; your physical abilities; climate and other working
conditions; and replacement, care and use requirements.

Information required by the United States EPA regulation 40 CFR part
211: 

“The level of noise entering a person’s ear, when hearing protector
is worn as directed, is closely approximated by the difference between
the A-weighted environmental noise level and the NRR.  EXAMPLE: The
environmental noise level as measured at the ear is 92 dBA. The NRR is
25 decibels (dB). The level of noise entering the ear is approximately
equal to 67 dB(A).  Although hearing protectors are useful for
protection against impulsive noise, the noise reduction measurements are
based on tests in continuous noise and may not be an accurate indicator
of the device’s performance for impulsive sounds such as gunfire. 
CAUTION: For noise environments dominated by frequencies below 500 Hz
the C-weighted environmental noise level should be used.  Improper fit
of this device will reduce its effectiveness in attenuating noise.
Consult the enclosed instructions for proper fit.”

Table 1  Range of HPD Ratings and Classes

	ANSI S3.19

1974	EN24869-1	ANSI S12.6 1997 method B	AS/NZS 1270 2002

Test results with experienced, trained wearers	NRR = 25 dB

CSA Class AL	SNR =21 dB

Test results with inexperienced, 

untrained wearers

	NRR(SF)=15 dB

SNR(SF84) =19 dB

CSA Grade 3	SLC80  =  20.1 dB

AS/NZS Class 3