Earing Protection Help

3M Peltor Optime

OPTIME II (OPII)

• Optime II has been developed for demanding noise-hazard environments and muffles even extremely low frequencies to a maximum degree.
• The sealing rings are filled with a unique combination of liquid and foam. The result is an optimum seal with low contact pressure, which provides snug comfort even during long-time use.
• The sealing rings have ventilation channels and are covered with soft, patterned, hygienic foil.
• Optime II is a suitable choice for environments with substantial industrial noise or construction machinery, airports and agricultural work.
• Optional Carbon Optic version.

OPTIME III (OPIII)

• Optime III is a super-muff, and has been developed for use in extremely noisy environments.
• The protection is based on a technology with a double casing that minimises resonance in the holder casing. This results in maximum high-frequency muffling, while at the same time its still easy to understand speech and signals.
• An acoustic connection between the inner volume and the volume between the casings in its turn provides maximum low-frequency muffling. 
• The sealing rings are broad and filled with soft plastic foam for the best fit and low contact pressure.
• Effective protection and best comfort are the hallmarks of Optime III.
• Optional Carbon Optic version.

3M Peltor X4

3M Peltor X4
Historically higher attenuating ear muffs meant large and bulky cups but not anymore. The PeltorT X4 ear muffs version can attenuate sound by as much as 33 dB whilst maintaining a sleek, low profile aesthetically pleasing design.

• Special colour coding for ease of selection.
• Extremely slim and light-weight cups provide excellent compatibility when used with other 3M personal protective equipment products.
• Fluorescent yellow-green colour ensures good visibility when working outdoor thus helping improve safety.
• New specially formulated damping pads and innovative foam contained in sealing ring provide excellent acoustic protection, particularly against sounds dominated by low frequencies.
• Modern, attractive low profile design
• Light-weight
• Twin headband design for greater balance and increased comfort
• Electrically insulated wire headband for greater and reliable protection
• Soft wide cushions helps reduce pressure around the ears and improves comfort and wearability
• New innovative damping pads and spacer that helps improve attenuation
• New patented sealing ring foam technology for effective sea and protection
• Large space inside cup helps reduce moisture and heat build-up
• Easy to replace cushions and inserts helps keep them hygienically clean
• Easy to understand attenuation symbol to help ensure correct product selection

3M Peltor X5

3M Peltor X5
New groundbreaking technology allows 3M Peltor X5 earmuffs to provide very high noise reduction in both standard headband and hard hat-attached models. Unique attenuation as a result of optimum combination of specially-formulated foam featured in the earcups, cushions and the innovative spacer and cup design. Despite the larger earcups, the X5 remains relatively lightweight with excellent balance and comfort.

• Earcups tilt for optimum comfort and efficiency
• Twin headband design helps reduce heat buildup with good fit and balance
• Wire headband offers comfortable pressure during prolonged usage
• Very high attenuation earmuffs recommended for high-noise exposure applications
• Despite larger earcups, product is lightweight with excellent balance and comfort
• Newly-designed spacer improves attenuation without excess bulk or weight
• NRR 31 dB - highest of any earmuff on the market

Standard and Approval
The 3M Peltor X Range Ear Muffs have been tested against EN352-1:2002 (Headband Version) and EN352-3:2002 (Helmet Mounted Version).
These products meet the Basic Safety Requirements as laid out in Annex II of the European Community Directive 89/686/EEC, and have been examined at the design stage by Combitech AB,. Box 168, SE-73223 Arboga, Sweden. (Notified Body number 2279).

Hearing Protection

The ear: Easy to Damage - Easy to Protect

Measuring Noise
Noise hazard depends on the level (sometimes called intensity) of the noise, its duration, and how often the exposure occurs. The point above which regular exposure to sounds becomes hazardous is a level of about 85 decibels (abbreviated dB, or sometimes dBA which is the value that more closely corresponds to human hearing). Noise is measured using a sound level meter.

You Don't Get "Used to Noise"
Noise does not have to be uncomfortably loud, or even painful, to be damaging. You may think your ears are "used to the noise," but what has probably happened is that your hearing has been temporarily dulled or that hearing loss has already begun.

A Rule of Thumb
When you feel the need to shout in order to be heard three feet away, the noise levels are probably 85 dBA or more and hearing protectors are recommended.

Using Your Ears to Assess Noise Risk
If, after the noise stops, you notice a ringing, buzzing, or whistling in your ears that wasn't there before, this is a warning indicator. Called tinnitus, this is like a "sunburn" of the nerve cells of your inner ear, indicating that they have been irritated and overworked. Tinnitus is especially noticeable in a quiet place, such as when you are trying to go to sleep at night. If you don't protect your ears from noise, tinnitus can become a permanent, constant annoyance in your life.
Apparent muffling or softening of sounds after noise exposure is a warning sign that your hearing is affected by a temporary threshold shift. Repeatedly exposing your ears without protection can cause the shift to worsen and become permanent, resulting in untreatable damage to your hearing ability.

100% Usage
Damage to hearing depends not only on the actual noise level but also exposure time. Thats why 100% usage is critical in noisy environments if you are to get the protection that the chosen hearing protector provides. Choose a comfortable hearing protector that suits you and your needs.