Buy Communication Ear Defenders
Communication Ear Defenders - For Communication on Site
Our range of electronic industrial communication headsets allows you to communicate easily with the rest of your team whilst protecting your hearing from excessive sound levels. These noise-isolating headsets are built on the standard ear defenders' familiar format and can improve safety and productivity.
Keeping staff members safe can often be achieved through verbal communication about a source of danger, for example, a train approaching whilst carrying out trackside maintenance. However, without integrated communication systems, this warning may go unheard due to the sound attenuation of the headset or the distance between staff members.
Boosting productivity on a work site can be as simple as communicating clearly with each other even whilst loud equipment is operating. Cutting down on the margin for misunderstanding whilst giving task instructions can make all the difference between a successful job and a burst ware main.
Where Are Radio Ear Defenders Used?
These hearing protectors are used in high-noise environments where communication ease is essential. Some great examples of typical applications are as follows;
Rail Maintenance
When brush-cutting and removing overgrown plants from the side of a live track, communication and situational awareness are essential, our communications device will allow a supervisor to quickly warn of incoming trains ensuring everyone is aware of the potential threat.
Utilities Maintenance
When working at a height carrying out maintenance or repairs on power or telecoms systems being able to communicate with those on the ground easily is vital. This can be especially important when carrying out emergency repairs where many teams work to find an area's fault.
Road & Traffic
Whether it is ensuring that traffic light timings are sufficient or requesting a piece of equipment from the other side of a larger work zone, these headsets speed up communication whilst ensuring your hearing protection is not reduced.
Civils & Construction
Within a large construction site having suitable communication between those heavy operating equipment such as cranes and material handing trucks is critical. Industrial headsets with integrated wireless communication make giving directions and marshalling safer and more accessible due to the ability to provide concise, precise directions every time.
Key Features To Consider When Buying a Communication Ear Defenders
Like standard ear defenders, there are a few key choices when purchasing wireless noise reduction headsets with built-in comms. We have detailed some of the critical functions and features you will want to consider below;
SNR Rating
Most critically, will the noise reduction side of the headset protect your hearing correctly? Like with standard ear defenders, you will want to ensure you have the proper SNR for your workplace; you can find more information on this on our hearing protection page.
Mesh Network
Many of our communication headsets feature a mesh network which gives greater signal stability. In addition, each headset acts as a repeater and base station forwarding signals it receives, giving communications several reliable paths to each endpoint.
Duplex Communications
We recommend going for a headset that features full duplex communication; this ensures that everyone can talk simultaneously without “blocking” the system. In addition, this allows for easy and free communication between staff members without having to wait for the “air to clear”.
Independent Range
This is how far any individual can move away from the group before they lose signal. The Sonis Comms range has a great benchmark of up to 800m between users. This, however, can be impacted by environmental obstacles, especially metal structures.
Group Range
This is the maximum range at which a group of users can operate over some models in our range have a maximum group range of up to 3000m (3km / 1.8miles). This allows a group of users to communicate reliably over a large area.
Emergency Alerts
A good quality wireless headset will have an emergency alert facility, giving you priority communication with colleagues. This is essential for use in emergencies where you must hear a request for assistance above all else.
User Grouping
You may want to subdivide teams with team leaders if you work on a large site with many groups. This option allows you to have private one-to-one channels, managers-only groups, and all member groups, ensuring communication is kept confidential when required.
Self Hearing
This function allows you to hear yourself speaking without shouting.
Mobile App
A compatible mobile phone app for your headset allows you to quickly and easily configure how you want your system to operate.
Out Of Range Notifications
This is an essential and often overlooked feature that alerts users when they are out of range. Once they are back in range, the network self heals and brings them back into the conversation.
Active Pass Through
This is the ability to hear non-headset wearers with whom you need to communicate. In addition, the external microphone brings through important audio, repeating them internally at a safe sound level giving greater situational awareness.
Helmet Compatability
Ensure that your headset is compatible with a construction helmet if you wear one. Look for hard hat mounted options and check the compatible products part of the page.
Two-Way Radio Compatibility
This feature allows you to connect the headset to standard 2-way radio, allowing two separate groups to communicate externally.
Battery Life
Having batteries with a reasonable total and daily life span is essential.
Radio
The ability to tune into your favourite radio station whilst you work can help shifts fly by.
Serviceability
Ensure you can service your chosen solution; after all, communication headsets are not exactly cheap. Many headsets in our selection feature replaceable batteries, ear cups and more, allowing you to extend their working life.
Do You Need Help Finding The Right Hearing Protection For Your Needs?
If you are not looking for a communication headset, you may want to head over to our hearing protection or ear defenders category. However, if you are still lost, call our friendly sales team on +44 (0)1905 794875; they will be happy to help you find the best hearing protection or general PPE for your needs.
