What Filler Materials Are Best for Muff-Type Ear Defenders in Your Industry?

Dear Friends,

1. What are the filler materials used in making the muff-type ear defenders in your industry?
2. What should be the ideal or recommended material for the filler?

Let us have a clear understanding of PPE - one by one.

Regards,
Kesava Pillai

Dear Sir,

Let me try to answer you.

1. Ear muffs consist of two ear cups that are filled with sound-absorbing polyurethane (PU) foam. Each cup also has a pad that is foam-filled. The ear cups are made of special ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic.

2. I think the above will fulfill the purpose of providing ear defender. The purpose of providing a defender must be to bring down the noise level to 90 dB or less.

With regards,
Dipil Kumar V

Dear Sir,

Can you please provide your comments on the right type of ear defenders?

With regards,
Dipil Kumar V

Dear Dipil,

The filler material in a muff-type ear defender should exert uniform pressure on the periphery of the ear to achieve a proper seal. We must avoid leakage to the ear to ensure absolute protection. Any form of solid material is of no use.

Therefore, the recommended filler material for a muff-type ear defender is mineral oil only.

The manufacturing process of an ear defender with mineral oil as the filler material is challenging. Most manufacturers use rubber foam or other materials, which only provide a false sense of protection.

Regarding the attenuation property or test certificate, I am certain you will not receive any from them!

In one of my training sessions, I had to explain this concept. Among the participants was a representative from a major supplier of PPE in India. During a break, he requested not to publicize such information.

Have we changed?

How many safety professionals are aware of these issues?

I am confident that if this forum is taken seriously, we can exchange quite useful information like this.

Regards,

Kesava Pillai

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your valuable input. It's new information for me. In India, is there any manufacturer that provides Ear Muffs with Mineral Oil as filler material in the Ear Cups?

Also, what protection do Ear Plugs offer? What should be the material of Ear Plugs?

I take the discussions held on this site very seriously as they help me gain knowledge. I hope the learning and sharing process will continue.

With regards,
Dipil Kumar V

@ Kesava Sir,

I am visiting this forum because of such knowledgeable posts. I am always eagerly waiting for your posts/replies. Hope we will receive your kind guidance in the future also via this forum.

Regards,
Abhay

Where is the oil filled? In the muff cup or circular ear pad? Can I fill the sponge with oil, put it in a plastic pouch, and reaffix the sponge in the cavity? Can paraffin oil be used?

Thank you for sharing such valuable information with us. This is really new information I have learned. Let me check in my unit what materials they are procuring.

Regards,
Hansa