Product Safety & Correct Use

Hearing damage is permanent and it doesn't announce itself. Protection only works when it's the right protection, fitted correctly, worn the whole time. Please read this before your first use — it takes two minutes and it's the difference between a rating on a box and real protection on your head.

Ratings are laboratory figures

SNR, NRR and similar attenuation values are measured under controlled laboratory conditions using standardised test methods. They represent what a product can achieve with a perfect seal on a test fixture. Real-world attenuation is typically lower, sometimes considerably so, and depends almost entirely on fit.

Treat published figures as a comparison tool between products — not as a guarantee of the protection you personally will receive.

Getting a proper seal

  • Ear cups must fully enclose the ear, with the cushion sitting flat against the head all the way round.
  • Adjust the headband so pressure is even and the cups sit level. Do not stretch or bend the headband to loosen it — this permanently reduces protection.
  • Anything breaking the seal reduces performance: spectacle arms, hats, hoods, long or thick hair, high collars, respirator straps and jewellery.
  • For in-ear products, use the tip size that seals comfortably without discomfort. Try each supplied size — most people need different sizes in each ear.
  • Cup a hand over each cup while in noise. If the sound level changes noticeably, your seal is not good.

Wear it for the whole exposure

Removing protection even briefly in high noise sharply reduces the protection you actually receive over a session. If you need to talk, step out of the noise.

Electronic protection

  • Sound amplification is a convenience feature, not a protective one. Keep the volume at the lowest level at which you can hear what you need.
  • Passive attenuation continues when the electronics are off or the batteries are flat — but amplification and level-dependent features do not. Carry spare batteries.
  • Do not use amplification, Bluetooth audio or music features where situational awareness is safety-critical unless that use is permitted by your site rules.
  • Electronic hearing protection is not a hearing aid and must not be used to compensate for existing hearing loss. Speak to an audiologist.

Inspection, cleaning and replacement

  • Inspect before each use. Replace the product if cushions are cracked, hardened, split or deformed, or if the headband has lost tension.
  • Clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not use solvents, alcohol, abrasives or immerse the product unless its stated rating allows it.
  • Ear cushions and foam inserts are consumables. Replace them at least every 6 months with typical use, or sooner if they harden or lose their seal.
  • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, chemicals and heat sources. Do not store compressed or with the cups flattened.

Do not modify

Drilling, cutting, painting, adding adhesives or altering the headband or cups will compromise protection and voids any guarantee, including eligibility for our 90-Day Trial.

Comfort, hygiene and health

  • Some people experience irritation from prolonged contact. Discontinue use and seek medical advice if irritation develops.
  • Do not share in-ear products between users.
  • If you experience ringing, muffled hearing or discomfort after exposure to noise, seek advice from a medical professional or audiologist.

Children and small parts

Ear tips, foam inserts and batteries are choking hazards. Keep them away from children. Our products are designed for adult users unless a product page states otherwise.

Batteries

Use only the battery type specified. Do not mix old and new batteries, do not short, crush, heat or incinerate them, and remove them if storing the product for a long period. Dispose of batteries and electrical products through appropriate recycling channels, not household waste.

Workplace use

If you are exposed to noise at work, your employer is responsible for assessing that exposure and specifying suitable protection. Our products are sold as personal protective equipment; they do not replace a workplace noise risk assessment, employer-issued PPE requirements, or any regulatory obligation that applies to you.

Not a medical device

DEISTORM products are hearing protection. They are not medical devices, not hearing aids, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition.

If anything here is unclear for the product you own, email SUPPORT@DEISTORM.COM before use. We would much rather answer a question than replace your hearing.