Why your team might be ignoring their earmuffs and what you can do about it.
When helping workplaces with noise safety and practical compliance, I’ve seen it all: brand-new earmuffs collecting dust, disposable plugs tossed in toolboxes, and workers saying, “It’s too uncomfortable,” or “I can’t hear instructions with these on.”
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Buying PPE is easy. Getting people to wear it consistently is the challenge.
Here’s how to improve buy-in, change behaviours, and strengthen hearing protection compliance.
1. Understand Why Workers Resist Hearing PPE
Workers don’t ignore hearing protection out of laziness. They do it because:
The equipment is uncomfortable or ill-fitting
It interferes with hearing instructions or communicating
They don’t believe the noise level is dangerous (check out Stop Guessing: The Truth About Decibel Readings in Your Workplace)
They’ve never experienced hearing loss personally, so the risk feels “distant”
They mistakenly believe alternatives, like ear pods with noise-cancelling features, are sufficient protection
Important: Noise-cancelling ear pods are not hearing protection. They don’t create a proper seal and aren’t designed to block harmful noise energy. Workers using them instead of certified PPE are still fully exposed to dangerous noise levels.
As a manager or supervisor, your role is to bridge the gap between policy and behaviour. Simply providing PPE isn’t enough to meet compliance requirements. You must also ensure correct usage, provide training, and consult workers on fit and comfort.
2. Talk About the “Why” Behind Hearing Protection
Don’t just issue PPE… explain the real risk.
Under the Safe Work Australia WHS Regulations, employers must provide PPE and ensure it’s used properly, maintained, and that workers are trained.
Talk about how:
Hearing loss is permanent and often goes unnoticed until it’s too late
Even short-term exposure to high decibels can cause lasting damage (see How Loud Is Too Loud?)
Earplugs and earmuffs are the last line of defence, not the only one
3. Involve Workers in Selecting Hearing PPE
When workers get a say in their PPE, they’re far more likely to use it.
Let them:
Trial different styles of earplugs or earmuffs
Give feedback on comfort and usability
Help identify which areas need mandatory hearing protection
Have a choice in different types of hearing protection that still meet requirements and protect their hearing
This small act of consultation builds ownership and compliance.
4. Support Workers with Medical Sensitivities
Some employees may struggle with certain types of hearing protection due to medical issues such as:
Skin sensitivities or allergies
Chronic ear infections or pain
Anxiety or sensory issues triggered by earplugs or tight earmuffs
If a worker raises a concern, take it seriously. Explore alternative options (e.g., custom-moulded plugs, different materials, or combined noise controls to reduce reliance on PPE). Document the conversation and adjustments to show you’ve met your duty to consult and accommodate. This not only supports compliance — it builds trust and shows genuine care.
5. Role Model from the Top Down
If supervisors or managers aren’t wearing PPE in noisy zones, workers won’t either.
Make it a non-negotiable: anyone in a designated noise area wears protection, every time, even for short tasks. Just because someone is “only in there for five minutes” doesn’t mean they’re safe.
6. Turning Frustration Into Action
A regional steel fabrication client had been issuing earmuffs for years, but usage was inconsistent. Workers complained about discomfort and isolation. We ran an engagement session, allowing workers to trial slimline models with radio reception. Comfort scores went up, compliance went up and management finally felt confident in their controls.
This simple fix helped them avoid a formal improvement notice from SafeWork NSW.
Final Thought
PPE only works if it’s worn properly and consistently. While it’s essential, it should never be your only noise control measure.
Engaging your team, explaining the risks, and choosing the right products will go further than any policy alone.
What’s been your biggest challenge with hearing protection in your workplace? Let us know below, we’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
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ABOUT THE Author - Kylie Dowell
Kylie Dowell is a seasoned WHS consultant, trainer, and safety advocate with over 25 years of experience helping Australian businesses create safer, compliant workplaces.
Through her partnership with TEAMS, an accredited Registered Training Organisation, Kylie delivers a wide range of training up to Advanced Diploma level, empowering businesses with the knowledge and skills to manage safety effectively.
As an approved trainer for Health and Safety Representative (HSR) courses by three Safety Regulators, Kylie has guided countless organisations in building stronger safety cultures and fostering healthier work environments.
Specialising in practical and effective safety solutions, she works closely with small and medium-sized businesses to simplify complex WHS requirements, making safety approachable and achievable.
When she’s not delivering high-quality training or conducting ISO 45001-certified audits, Kylie enjoys collaborating with her clients to design tailored workshops and strategies that suit their unique needs.
Ready to make safety simpler? Get in touch with Kylie today for personalised support.