Also, many manufacturers offer helmet mounted earmuffs specifically for the purpose. Often the fitting points of the helmet and earmuff are of a ‘standard’ size and style, but here a significant issue arises: If you select a helmet and earmuffs from the same manufacturer, it is likely that they have been approved for use together. 

The manufacturer in question should make this clear in the product information. If, however, you select a helmet from one manufacturer, and helmet mounted earmuffs from another, they may well fit together, but unless you can see that they have been performance tested together there is nothing to show the earmuffs will provide protection! One of the features determining the performance of earmuffs is the force produced by the spring arm. This is to maintain the seal of the cushion around your ear. 

You may have selected the most suitable helmet for you or your workforce, and also the most appropriate earmuff for the noise hazard, also taking into account weight, comfort, user acceptance, etc, but without testing for use in combination you cannot assume that the earmuff will provide the expected protection. 

Both the helmet and the earmuffs should be CE marked. This mark shows that a product meets the necessary legal requirements however it does not tell you anything about its performance for any given application or task. 

There are different ways to gain the CE mark but the most common is to have a product certified using a harmonised European standard (see ‘CE Marking and Product Certification’ below). For helmet mounted earmuffs the standard is EN352-3, and it requires products to be tested together and manufacturers to specify the models of helmet tested with the earmuffs.

There are many helmet manufacturers who produce earmuffs for use with their helmets. There are also many manufacturers who specialise in producing one or the other, and distributors will offer a range of both products to give you the best choice.

If you select products from different sources make sure you check that the earmuffs have been tested on the specific make and model of helmet with which you plan to use them. 

Manufacturers are well aware of the situation and many co-operate to have their products tested together, so that the customer can select the combination they prefer as the most appropriate. 

So, if you want to use an earmuff with a particular helmet, make sure they have been certified together. Remember, Your ears may be covered but are you protected?