Making a noise in hearing protection

Building on its reputation for creating dedicated worker safety solutions, the new range of ear plugs and ear defenders combine innovative features and designs to deliver high performance, high comfort and lightweight hearing protection solutions for applications across a wide range of sectors.

Designed for rapid user acceptance by a specialist team with decades of experience and expertise in hearing conservation, Alpha SOTA protects workers exposed to noise levels from 80dB up to 140dB.

Typical industrial environments where the range excels include manufacturing and maintenance, utilities and plant and equipment through to food processing, heavy industry, highways maintenance and oil and gas platforms.

For hearing protection below 105dB, the new Alpha SOTA Simple-Fit disposable foam ear plugs incorporate a unique, tapered design and are manufactured from a soft polyurethane (PU) material. Offering enhanced comfort, workers use a simple ‘Roll, Insert, Twist’ action when the earplugs are placed into the ear canal to help create a quicker and more effective fit.

Two corded versions of the earplugs are also available, including a fully detectable option for food processing environments.

For louder environments requiring enhanced noise protection, the new range of Alpha SOTA ear defenders offer an array of features and benefits. These include lower profile cup designs, large ear cushions for a secure and superior fit - creating a firm seal over the ears - and a padded, durable headband delivering high-level comfort.

The headbands across the range are also fully adjustable, enabling the wearer to make easy, on-head adjustments to suit their own individual requirements even when they are being worn.
 
Fully integrated for use with other forms of PPE, the ear defender range - which offers Single Number Rating (SNR) protection between 19 and 34 – also includes the N4, specially designed with a band that fits easily around the neck, ideal for use with safety helmets. Metal-free models are also available for use within the food processing sector.

Fully compliant with EN352-1:2002, Nick Moore of Alpha Solway says the launch of Alpha SOTA follows an 18-month research and development project to design completely new industrial protective hearing solutions.

“We’re delighted to be launching the new Alpha SOTA range, which has real synergy with our existing product portfolio. We assembled a team with decades of expertise within hearing protection and challenged them to create a new collection specifically designed for today’s industrial needs.

“Given the risks of Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), it’s critical that performance is matched by comfort, especially as many workers will be wearing their hearing protection for long periods. In designing the new range, we worked closely with our customers who were able to give us essential feedback, helping us shape the new range even further to match key requirements,” said Nick.

“This attention to detail ensures that Alpha SOTA integrates easily and harmoniously with other ‘above the neck PPE’ ensuring high levels of wearer acceptance, vital for an effective hearing protection programme,” he added.

In addition to the new Alpha SOTA range, Alpha Solway’s specialist team is able to support workplace trials and deliver worker training.