LUCY DELL EARPLUGS - EAR DEFENDERS

1) EAR MUFFS

To give proper performance muffs should totally enclose the ears. If they don't, either the muffs are the wrong size, or they are wrongly adjusted, or they are wrongly fitted. It is important that the muff cups sit properly against the head. If there is anything between the cup and the head (glasses and hair are the commonest problems) then there will be a noise leak through the resulting gap, and protection may be badly impaired. Consequently, if you will be wearing glasses (or safety specs) or if you have loads of hair, ear plugs might be a better choice.

In very general terms, though there are exceptions: the greater the protection, the heavier the muff; and the greater the protection, the more firmly the muffs press against your head. So if you are sensitive and have a large (wide) head you may find muffs quite uncomfortable, as they may feel like they are crushing your head. We can do nothing about this problem and for hygiene reasons we cannot give a refund simply because you find a muff uncomfortable. Also, remember that muffs can be fairly big so if you are working in a confined space they can get in the way.

A guide to the rated noise reduction is provided by the SNR (the higher the number, the more noise the muffs should cut out).
H, M and L figures are also listed, for people who are particularly interested in performance at High, Medium and Low frequencies.

We usually stock the muffs listed below, though we may have others from time to time.

1. The LM77 is a folding muff. When correctly folded, it fits into a reasonably large pocket - such as found in most overalls, or in most waxed cotton jackets. The folding construction places the muff seals against each other when the muffs are folded, so if you fold them up carefully they are much less likely to get muck falling into the cups when not in use. These come in a cardboard box that's robust enough to use as a storage container! SNR32 (H=36 M=29 L=20). Approximate weight 240g.

The SE50 is an economical non-folding muff, with better protection than many other budget-price muffs. Supplied in a flimsy plastic bag. SNR27 (H=33 M=24 L=16). Nominal weight 167g.

Storage. Store your muffs in a way that doesn't cause any distortion and away from excess heat, cold, sun or damp. Keep them clean. They can be washed with warm soapy water. Rinse well in clean water, then leave to dry naturally.

Inspection. Muff cups must be inspected frequently - if split or deteriorated, then you will have to replace the muffs, or the cups, or the seals, as appropriate. You also need to check that the cups are still being pressed against the head firmly enough to give a proper seal. Typically a few months of regular use will reduce the protection a muff gives.

2) BANDED PROTECTORS

We stock a selection of these, please ask if you want details.

page last updated 09 October 2006