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Why earplugs are needed in construction

Thijs Worm13 September 2025Updated 5 October 20263 min read
Audibling custom earplugs for construction and industry

Pneumatic drills, grinders, pile drivers and chainsaws. On a construction site, loud noise is part of everyday work. What many employees and employers underestimate is that long-term exposure to construction noise can cause permanent hearing damage. Hearing damage cannot be reversed and can lead to tinnitus, hyperacusis or permanent hearing loss. That is why hearing protection is needed in construction, and custom earplugs are a good choice for it.

For teams of 10 or more people, we take the ear impressions on site, based on a quote. If you go on your own, a partner hearing care professional takes the impressions of your ears. The ear impressions are included in the price and you pay at the hearing centre.

Noise risks in construction

In construction, employees are exposed every day to noise levels far above the safe limit. Under the Dutch Working Conditions Decree (Arbobesluit), your employer must provide hearing protection when daily exposure is above 80 dB(A), and from 85 dB(A) you are required to wear it. The exposure limit value of 87 dB(A) applies to the sound that reaches your ear with the hearing protection in. Many machines in construction produce noise between 90 and 120 dB(A). Even short exposure can be harmful.

A few examples.
A pneumatic drill produces about 100 dB(A).
A circular saw produces about 110 dB(A).
Pile driving produces 120 dB(A) or more.

Without hearing protection, the risk of damage is real and high.

Why universal earplugs are often not
enough

Many construction workers reach for foam or universal earplugs, because they are cheap and easy to get. The problem is that these earplugs often do not seal well, are uncomfortable or are inserted incorrectly. This greatly reduces the actual attenuation, so workers are still at risk. Custom-made earplugs seal well, are comfortable to wear for hours and have predictable attenuation with certified filters.

Benefits of custom earplugs in construction

Consistent protection. Always the same reliable attenuation.
Comfortable. No pressure points, even on long working days.
You can still communicate. With filters, speech stays intelligible.
Durable. Usable for several years with good care.
In line with the Dutch Working Conditions Act (Arbowet). They help you meet the legal requirements and make the workplace safer.
Construction worker with a helmet, face shield and work gloves working on wooden beams on a building site

Which filters are suitable for construction

For construction, Audibling uses the DI filter from Dynamic Ear Company. This membrane filter reduces the low tones fairly flatly, so you keep hearing your colleagues and signals, and it reduces the high tones extra. According to Dynamic Ear, industrial noise is often loudest in the high tones, and on a construction site drilling, sawing and grinding go on all day. The DI series has an SNR of 22 to 26 dB. Our earplugs for construction have the strongest variant, with 26 dB. The filter constantly lets a little air into your ear, which is pleasant during long working days. The attenuation you need can differ depending on your job.

For example, a carpenter who talks a lot with colleagues can choose lighter attenuation, while someone working next to a pile driver needs more protection.

Costs and obligations for employers

Under the Working Conditions Decree, employers must offer hearing protection when noise exposure is above 80 dB(A). From 85 dB(A), wearing it is mandatory. Not complying can lead to fines, but more importantly, it increases the risk of permanent hearing damage for employees. Read more in what Dutch law says about hearing protection at work.

Although custom earplugs cost more up front than disposable or universal earplugs, they pay for themselves through a longer lifespan, greater willingness to wear them and less absence due to hearing problems.

Care and checks

Good care makes your custom earplugs last longer and keep working well. Clean the earplugs regularly, check the filters and have the fit checked at least once a year. A damaged or poorly fitting earplug can greatly reduce the protection.

Frequently asked questions
Are earplugs mandatory in construction?

Yes, from 85 dB(A) hearing protection is mandatory under the Working Conditions Act.
Are custom earplugs too expensive for construction companies?

No. They last for years and make people more willing to wear them, which saves costs in the long term.
Can custom earplugs be worn with a helmet or safety glasses?

Yes, they combine well with other PPE (personal protective equipment).

Want to know more?

Want to be sure which custom earplugs best suit your work, hobby or business? Let us advise you on material, filters and SNR values. We take your risks and budget into account and arrange the whole process, from ear impressions to aftercare. Would you rather know the costs straight away? Request a quote, with no obligation.

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Design your earplugs

Choose your colour and filter online. The ear impressions are included in the price and you pay at the hearing centre.

Design your earplugs