2
360-ID604-01-IMDO © 2026, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | WSPS.CA
Improved protection against impulse noise (e.g., punch or moulding press operations, boiler
blowdowns, equipment with intermittent noise generation etc.).
Improved protection against high-level low frequency noise.
Lower risk of excess noise exposure while using radio or electronic communications.
Maintaining protection against noise while listening to music.
Specialized Hearing Protection Selection and Risk Assessment
Proper selection through evaluation of HPDs with ANR is necessary to ensure that the device provides
value without introducing additional hazards. Some specifications to look out for in ANR hearing
protection include the presence or absence of:
Noise limiters which safeguard the sound generated by the ANR, communication or media
connections do not exceed a specified limit. Care should be taken to evaluate noise at the ear
resulting from the addition of sound generated by the HPD and the resulting environmental noise
after reduction by passive means. CSA Z107.56 has a calculation to assist in the evaluation of at ear
noise sources.
Voice Passthrough, also referred to as level dependent ambient listening, transfers external sounds
with specific frequencies associated with the human voice to the speakers on the interior of the HPD
allowing for better verbal communications.
Connectivity options (e.g., Bluetooth, cable, proprietary etc.), will impact how you can connect the
HPDs to communication and media systems at the workplace.
Power supply and duration of ANR before charge or replacement.
A documented evaluation and risk assessment should be performed to determine if the HPD with ANR
is appropriate for use at the specific workplace. Below is an example of a specialized HPD evaluation and
risk assessment.
WSPS.CA
