When must double protection be worn?

Double protection, which involves using two forms of hearing protection, is necessary when noise levels exceed certain thresholds to effectively safeguard hearing health. In the context of hearing conservation, when noise levels reach or exceed 104 dBA, standard hearing protection may not provide sufficient attenuation to prevent hearing loss. At this level, the risk of noise-induced hearing damage significantly increases, and using double protection — for example, combining earplugs with earmuffs — enhances the overall attenuation of sound.

Using double protection in such high noise environments is crucial because the effectiveness of hearing conservation measures decreases as noise levels rise. Therefore, to ensure maximum protection for individuals exposed to very high noise levels, double protection is recommended starting from the threshold of 104 dBA.