How does wearing dual protection (earplugs with earmuffs) benefit workers?

Wearing dual protection, such as combining earplugs with earmuffs, significantly enhances the overall noise reduction provided to the wearer. This is primarily because each device has its own noise attenuation characteristics, and when they are used together, the levels of sound attenuation can be compounded. The combined effect typically provides greater protection from harmful noise levels than if either earplug or earmuff were used alone.

The scientific principle behind this is that earplugs block sound from entering the ear canal, while earmuffs provide a barrier around the ears that further reduces sound exposure. Since different frequencies of noise may be attenuated by different devices, using them together can create a more comprehensive shielding effect. This layer of protection is particularly beneficial in extremely loud environments, where exceeding permissible noise exposure levels can lead to hearing loss.

This enhancement in noise reduction is crucial for workers in industries where they may be exposed to harmful noise levels, thus helping to maintain better hearing health over time.