Let’s face it. Most safety headsets aren’t exactly treated gently. They get tossed around. They’re used 8, 10, 12 hours a day—or more. They get dirty, dusty, and grimy. In some cases, they might even be subject to extreme temperatures. They really take a beating, so it’s no wonder that they need to be replaced every so often.
You don’t want to replace your safety headset too frequently, so a small amount of maintenance can go a long way. That being said, different scenarios require different types and levels of upkeep, but there are some general best practices for keeping your safety headset in good condition.
The first option is typically the hardest. Many high-noise environments also come with dirt, grit, dust, and other environmental factors. With safety, work, and human concerns taking precedence, cleanliness isn’t always a top priority. But basic cleaning of your headset on a regular basis can extend its life. Following these simple guidelines can save you time, money, and aggravation down the road.
NOTE: do NOT submerge your headset in any liquid—ever. This can damage the technology (like Bluetooth) inside.
A lot of things can happen to your headset that won’t impact its use, but the performance of the ear cushions is crucial. An improperly functioning ear cushion can impact comfort (leading to improper use), function (doesn’t sit properly on the ear, reducing effectiveness), and more. High-performing hearing protection devices are designed to have replaceable ear cushions (like our SM). The cushion is easily removable and designed to be replaced every six months or so.
Properly working ear cushions (new) are soft, pliable, and will conform to the shape of your workers’ ears. As ear cushions get older, they being to naturally degrade, impacting their effectiveness.
In the case of our product line, we sell a Hygiene Kit Replacement that allows you to quickly replace old and worn-out ear cushions, essentially extending the life of your safety headsets.
Generally storing your safety headset can protect your device from accidents, the environment, and more. Typical storage is anywhere that is out of direct sunlight (ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause plastics to crack and/or disintegrate), at room temperature, and in an area that is well ventilated. In a perfect world, you will store your safety headset in a storage bag made specially to protect the device while not in use. For hearing safety devices that sport a rechargeable, non-replaceable battery, storing your fully charged headset in high-temperature conditions may permanently reduce the life of the internal battery.—so avoid this when possible.
Safety headsets are a critical component of hearing safety programs in high noise environments, and frequent replacement due to improper maintenance can drive expenses up. Properly cleaning, replacement of parts and storage can all extend the life of your safety headset.