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Earmuffs or earplugs (EN 352)

The EN 352 series of standards sets out requirements for hearing protectors. Part 1 applies to earmuffs, Part 2 to earplugs, Part 3 to earmuffs attached to head or face protection. Parts 4 to 10 cover special types such as level-dependent models, active noise compensation or models with audio input. The current German editions are DIN EN 352-1 to -3 from March 2021.

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When is this relevant?

Relevant for noise areas from the action values upwards and when choosing between earmuffs and earplugs. Sound attenuation is not the same at all frequencies, which is why there are several selection methods. The attenuation needed follows from the noise level at the workplace.

Parts of EN 352

  • EN 352-1: earmuffs
  • EN 352-2: earplugs including custom-moulded earplugs
  • EN 352-3: earmuffs attached to head or face protection
  • EN 352-4 and 352-7: level-dependent earmuffs and earplugs
  • EN 352-5: earmuffs with active noise compensation
  • EN 352-8 and 352-10: earmuffs and earplugs with audio entertainment input

Selection methods

Commonly used methods are the octave band method, the HML method, the HML check and the SNR method. According to the specialist literature, correction values must be taken into account to compensate for deviations between testing and practice: 9 dB for earplugs, 5 dB for earmuffs and 3 dB for custom-moulded earplugs. Over-protection, that is, too much attenuation, should be avoided.

When earmuffs make sense

  • With frequent brief putting on and taking off due to repeated noise exposure
  • If earplugs are not tolerated because of narrow ear canals
  • If there is a tendency to ear canal infections or other intolerances to earplugs

According to manufacturer information, earmuffs make it harder to locate sound sources.

Sources

  • DIN Media: DIN EN 352-1:2021-03 and DIN EN 352-3:2021-03, hearing protectors, general requirements
  • DGUV Fachbereich PSA: Hearing protectors, EN 352-1 to -3 (current standardisation, sicher ist sicher 3/2022)
  • DGUV Test: Test principle GS-IFA-P01 (edition 04/2022)
  • Haufe: Hearing protection, marking and selection
  • Manufacturer information Kicherer: Hearing protection in industry

Last updated: · This explanation is for general information and does not replace legal advice.