A. There are two different types of protective devices.
1. Passive protective devices.
a. Ear Muffs
1. Fits over and around the ears.
2. One size fits most people.
3. Disadvantage – can be uncomfortable in the heat.
b. Ear plugs
1. Inserts in the ear canal.
2. Small and portable.
3. Disadvantage – if not fitted properly can be uncomfortable.
c. Canal Caps
1. Held against the ear canal entrance.
2. One size fits most people.
3. Disadvantage – force of caps can be uncomfortable.
2. Active protective devices.
a. Provides the best protection.
b. Very expensive. (Transition: Once you know the different types of hearing protective devices and have a basic idea of what you want, you then need to know if it will be effective for the level of noise you will be exposed to.) II. Evidence: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that all employees working in high noise environments where the recommended protective devices. Hearing protective devices must provide enough protection for the amount of noise you are exposed to.
A. Understanding the noise reduction rating.
1. The manufactures noise reduction rating.
2. The actual noise reduction rating.
B. Evidence: OSHA provides a necessary calculation for noise reduction.
1.