What noise level requires hearing protection at work?

Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, employers must make hearing protection available when daily or weekly exposure reaches 80 dB(A), and workers must wear it when exposure reaches 85 dB(A). Exposure must never go above 87 dB(A) once hearing protection is taken into account.

Do I need a noise risk assessment?

HSE says you are likely to need one if people have to raise their voices to talk when about 2 metres apart, if workers use noisy powered tools or machinery for more than half an hour a day, if the noise is as intrusive as a busy street for most of the day, or if you work in a sector known to be noisy, such as construction or engineering.

Is giving workers ear defenders enough?

No. HSE expects employers to reduce noise at source first, through quieter equipment, better maintenance, screens, enclosures and limiting time in noisy areas. Hearing protection is for the risk that remains, not a substitute for controlling the noise.

Who needs hearing checks?

Employers must provide health surveillance, usually regular hearing checks, for workers likely to be regularly exposed above the upper action value of 85 dB(A), or who are at particular risk, for example because they already have some hearing loss.

Noise at work: what UK employers must do

Noise damage to hearing is permanent, it builds up slowly, and the people affected often do not notice until it is too late. On 13 October 2026 HSE launched a campaign warning employers about noise and vibration, and urging them not to wait until the damage is done.

This guide explains what the law requires, how to tell whether you have a problem, and what good control looks like.

The law: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

The regulations set three levels, based on a worker's average daily or weekly exposure and on the loudest single bursts of noise (peak sound pressure).

Level	Daily or weekly exposure	Peak
Lower exposure action value	80 dB(A)	135 dB(C)
Upper exposure action value	85 dB(A)	137 dB(C)
Exposure limit value	87 dB(A)	140 dB(C)

The exposure limit values take account of any hearing protection worn. The action values do not.

At the lower action value (80 dB)

assess the risk to workers' health
give workers information, instruction and training about the risk and how to protect themselves
make suitable hearing protection available to anyone who asks for it

At the upper action value (85 dB)

reduce exposure as far as reasonably practicable with technical and organisational measures, not just ear defenders
mark hearing protection zones with signs and restrict entry to them
make sure hearing protection is provided and actually worn

At the exposure limit value (87 dB)

No worker may be exposed above this level, even allowing for the hearing protection they wear. If it happens, you must act straight away to bring exposure down.

Do you have a noise problem?

HSE gives some simple rules of thumb. You probably need to assess the risk if any of these apply:

the noise is intrusive for most of the working day, like a busy street, a vacuum cleaner or a crowded restaurant
people have to raise their voices to hold a normal conversation when about 2 metres apart, for at least part of the day
workers use noisy powered tools or machinery for more than half an hour a day
you work in a sector known for noise, such as construction, demolition, road repair, woodworking, engineering, fabrication, forging, pressing, canning or bottling, or foundries
there are impact noises such as hammering, drop forging or pneumatic impact tools, or explosive sources such as cartridge operated tools or guns
workers notice muffled hearing at the end of the day, even if it is better by the next morning

What a noise risk assessment should cover

A noise risk assessment should identify:

Where there may be a risk and who is likely to be affected
A reliable estimate of exposure, compared with the action and limit values. Measurements are often needed, and HSE says the person doing them must be competent
What you need to do to comply: the controls, whether hearing protection is needed and what type
Who needs health surveillance and whether anyone is at particular risk

Record the significant findings, then put the actions into practice and review the assessment when work, equipment or people change.

Control the noise first

The law expects you to reduce noise at source before relying on ear defenders. Practical steps HSE points to include:

choosing quieter equipment and processes when you buy or replace them
maintaining machines, because worn parts and poor lubrication often make equipment louder
fitting screens, barriers, enclosures and absorbent materials
moving noisy machines away from where people work
designing work so people spend less time in noisy areas

Small changes can make a large difference. One HSE example describes a guillotine that ran at 92 dB(A); after servicing and adjustment it ran at 84 dB(A).

Getting hearing protection right

Where noise remains after control measures, hearing protection must be right for the job:

Choose the right level. Aim to bring the noise at the ear below 85 dB(A). Avoid protection that cuts noise too much, below about 70 dB(A), as people feel cut off and may take it off
Wear it all the time in noisy areas. Taking it off even for short periods greatly reduces the protection it gives over a day
Make sure it fits and works with other equipment such as hard hats, glasses and masks
Lead by example. Managers and visitors should wear it in hearing protection zones too
Train people on why it matters, how to wear it and how to look after it

Health surveillance

Health surveillance, usually regular hearing checks, is required for workers likely to be regularly exposed above 85 dB(A), and for those at particular risk. The results help spot early hearing damage and show whether your controls are working. Tell workers the results of their own checks, and act on any problems found.

Why this matters now

HSE's October campaign highlighted that around one in five workers are exposed to loud noise at work, and that thousands of workers each year develop work related hearing problems. Noise induced hearing loss cannot be cured, but it can be prevented.

How MYRA helps

MYRA Compliance helps you keep your noise controls in one place:

Risk assessments: record your noise assessment, the controls you have chosen and the actions arising from it
Training: keep a record of who has been trained on noise risks and hearing protection
Inspections: run regular checks of hearing protection zones, signs and equipment condition
Documents: store noise survey reports and equipment information so they are easy to find at review time

Get in touch to see how MYRA can support your health and safety management.

Find out more about risk assessments in MYRA Compliance.