From a certain level of decibels, noise can become dangerous! It is therefore advisable to protect oneself effectively. A safe solution: noise protection. We have chosen for you a multitude of hearing protections at the best price: noise-canceling headphones, earplugs, headbands,... among recognized brands like HONEYWELL or SINGER FRERES.

Why wear hearing protection?

DIY and gardening activities are unfortunately often synonymous with noise, most often caused by different tools such as drills or lawnmowers, for example.

Contrary to what one might think, the threshold at which noise becomes potentially harmful is quickly reached. Indeed, from 80dB, which corresponds to a very busy street, noises cause auditory fatigue. Then, from 100dB (loud music), the risk becomes more significant and finally, beyond 120dB (jackhammer), the pain threshold is reached and the danger is real.

In French companies, a strict regulation is in force: when sound exposure exceeds 80dB, the employer must provide noise-protection devices. Finally, beyond 85dB, wearing hearing devices becomes mandatory.

How to choose your noise protection?

The choice of noise protection should not be made haphazardly. Indeed, it is necessary to consider the type of use for which you will employ your protection and especially determine the sound level in decibels (dB) emitted by the environment in which the equipment will be used.

A very important parameter that every DIY enthusiast should know to choose their noise protection equipment is the Single Number Rating (SNR). More concretely, this expresses the average noise attenuation of the device and therefore the effectiveness of the protection. For information, the SNR subtracted from the ambient noise level gives the actual noise perceived by the wearer of the device.

What type of protection for which use?

Several types of protections are available on ManoMano: firstly, there are noise-canceling headphones in the form of headbands or shells to attach to a construction helmet, ideal for maximum adaptability.

Generally speaking, headphones can be divided into two categories. First, there are devices that simply protect from noise according to the chosen SNR thanks to the foam layer and shell insulation, also called passive headphones. On the other hand, there are also active headphones or noise-treating headphones, typically more expensive as they feature an electronic device powered by batteries. This type of headphone contains a microphone that records ambient noises and processes them so that the sound returned by the speaker is attenuated.

Some headphones also integrate a sound amplification system allowing the user to hear important sounds such as voices, alarm signals while being isolated from dangerous noises.

For users who need to work in an electrical environment, it is essential to choose a so-called dielectric helmet, which means a helmet integrating a material that does not conduct electricity.

Finally, there are also earplugs, sometimes called stoppers or more vulgarly earbuds. They are inexpensive but often single-use, recommended for frequent changes. We also offer washable noise-reducing plugs with soap and water equipped with a cord, which are particularly suitable for repeated use. Lastly, there are also noise-reducing headbands fitted with plugs, quick to put on and take off, and slip easily into a pocket. They are especially intended for intermittent uses.

As you can see, the range you will find on ManoMano is wide and will allow you to find what you are looking for, whatever your preferences and type of use.

Ear defenders and ear plugs: make the right choice