Hearing is one of the most vital senses we rely on every day — for communication, awareness, and safety. Yet, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 16% of hearing loss worldwide is work-related. Despite being 100% preventable, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) remains one of the most common occupational hazards.
At SUM SARL, we believe that protecting hearing is not just a precaution — it’s a responsibility.
📊 Alarming Statistics You Should Know
- Over 1.1 billion young people (aged 12–35) are at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices. (WHO, 2021)
- In the U.S. alone, 22 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise each year. (NIOSH)
- Prolonged exposure to noise levels above 85 dB (equivalent to a lawnmower) can lead to permanent hearing loss.
- Most damage happens gradually and silently, with no immediate pain — until it’s too late.
📏 OSHA Noise Exposure Limits
According to OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.95, the following applies in the workplace:
| Noise Level (dB) | Maximum Exposure Time |
|---|---|
| 85 dB | 8 hours (Hearing program required) |
| 90 dB | 8 hours (Protection mandatory) |
| 95 dB | 4 hours |
| 100 dB | 2 hours |
| 105 dB | 1 hour |
🔊 At 85 dB and above, employers are required to provide hearing protection and implement a hearing conservation program.
🛑 At 90 dB, ear protection becomes mandatory.
🚧 Common High-Risk Environments
- Construction sites and roadworks
- Factories and industrial workshops
- Airports, garages, and shipping docks
- Agriculture and landscaping operations
- Concerts, events, and security services
🎯 Why Hearing Protection Matters
🛑 Hearing loss is irreversible.
Once your hearing is damaged, there is no cure — only assistive solutions.
✅ Proper protection reduces noise exposure by up to 35 dB
This means workers can be exposed longer without risk.
🧠 Hearing protection improves focus and reduces fatigue
Constant loud noise doesn’t just affect your ears — it drains your brain.
👷♂️ Prevents long-term compensation and legal costs
Employers who provide proper hearing PPE minimize liability and workplace injury claims.
🎧 Types of Hearing Protection
At SUM SARL, we supply professional-grade hearing protection options:
- Ear Muffs: Comfortable, easy-to-wear, and ideal for prolonged use
- Ear Plugs: Lightweight and discreet, available in reusable and disposable formats
- Electronic Hearing Protectors: Filter harmful noise while allowing safe sound to pass through
All our hearing protectors meet EN352 / ANSI S3.19 standards.
💼 Who Needs Hearing Protection?
If you work in or manage:
- Construction or demolition teams
- Workshops or mechanical garages
- Events and security operations
- Factories or logistics centers
…then hearing protection is not optional — it’s essential.
✅ Conclusion
Noise-induced hearing loss is 100% preventable — but permanent if ignored.
Protect your team, your health, and your future by integrating professional hearing protection into your workplace PPE.
Ready to equip your team?
📦 Contact us today at sum-lebanon.com or visit our Beirut location.
HEARING PROTECTION
Safeguard your hearing in noisy environments with our range of earplugs and earmuffs compliant with EN 352 standards. Designed for comfort and high noise reduction, our hearing protection solutions are ideal for construction, manufacturing, and other high-decibel workplaces.