Noise Exposure and Hearing Protection Calculators
Six free calculators for working out workplace noise exposure and hearing protection performance. The first three calculate a worker’s daily and weekly noise dose against the action and limit values set by the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. The other three estimate how much protection a hearing protector is actually giving, using the three methods accepted by HSE. They mirror the methods used in HSE’s official noise spreadsheets with cleaner inputs and live results.
Noise Exposure Calculators
Use these to work out a worker’s daily or weekly noise dose against the Lower Exposure Action Value (80 dB(A)), the Upper Exposure Action Value (85 dB(A)) and the Exposure Limit Value (87 dB(A) at the ear).
Daily exposure
Daily Noise Exposure Calculator
Combine the noise level and duration of each task in a worker’s day into a single daily LEP,d figure. Compares the result against the 80 dB(A) and 85 dB(A) action values.
Open calculatorDaily exposure with HP
Noise Exposure Limit Value Calculator
Use when hearing protection is being worn. Works out daily exposure at the ear using the HML method and compares the result against the 87 dB(A) Exposure Limit Value.
Open calculatorWeekly exposure
Weekly Noise Exposure Calculator
Average noise exposure across a working week when daily levels vary. Useful where one or two days a week are significantly noisier than the rest, or where the working week is three days or fewer.
Open calculatorHearing Protection Calculators
Use these to estimate how much protection a hearing protector is giving in a specific noise environment. Pick the method that matches the data you have on the protector and the workplace noise.
Most accurate
Octave Band Method
The most accurate of the three methods. Uses octave-band attenuation data from the protector and an octave-band breakdown of workplace noise from a proper noise survey.
Open calculatorMid accuracy
HML Method
Uses the protector’s High, Medium and Low attenuation values along with the A-weighted and C-weighted workplace noise levels. A good middle ground when octave-band data isn’t available.
Open calculatorSimplest
SNR Method
The simplest method. Uses the protector’s Single Number Rating against a C-weighted workplace noise level. Best used as a first-pass check rather than a definitive answer.
Open calculatorWhich Calculator Should You Use?
If you’re checking whether a worker’s daily exposure crosses the action or limit values, start with the Daily Noise Exposure Calculator. If hearing protection is in place and you want to check exposure at the ear, use the Noise Exposure Limit Value Calculator. If daily exposures vary across the week, the Weekly Noise Exposure Calculator gives you the averaging method HSE accepts.
For checking whether a specific hearing protector is doing the job, pick the calculator that matches the data on its datasheet. Octave-band gives the most accurate answer but needs the most data. HML sits in the middle. SNR is the quickest but assumes a fairly flat noise spectrum, so it can over- or under-estimate protection when the noise is dominated by particular frequencies.
A Note on Calculators vs Real Assessments
These calculators are guides. They use the same methods as HSE’s published spreadsheets and they’re useful for spot checks and for understanding what the numbers mean. They aren’t a substitute for a formal noise risk assessment carried out by a competent person. If you’ve got an active HSE inspection, a planning application, a complaint from a neighbour or a hearing damage claim, get a proper assessment done.
About Advanced Noise Solutions
Advanced Noise Solutions is a specialist industrial noise consultancy based in St Albans. For 38 years we’ve helped UK manufacturers solve noise problems where they actually start, at the source, rather than wrapping the whole machine in an acoustic enclosure. Our AcoustiFix methodology typically delivers higher dB reductions than enclosures, at a fraction of the cost, with none of the access, visibility or maintenance trade-offs.
If you need a formal noise risk assessment, advice on hearing protection programmes, or help reducing workplace noise at source, we can help. Get in touch or call us on 01727 864667 to talk it through.