Published on: March 16, 2026

Our prevention officers commonly get questions from employers about workers using personal audio devices — including noise-cancelling earbuds and headphones — on the job. These devices can increase exposure to harmful noise and may distract workers from nearby hazards, warnings, and other important cues.

Sasha Brown
Occupational audiologist

Occupational audiologist Sasha Brown shares her expertise about the use of personal audio devices as hearing protection.

Are personal audio devices considered hearing protection?

No. Preventing noise-induced hearing loss requires purpose-built hearing protection. Consumer earbuds, headphones, and similar personal audio devices are designed for entertainment and communication, not hearing protection.

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, employers must ensure workplace hearing protection meets the requirements of CSA Standard Z94.2. Compliant devices are labelled with a Class rating or Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) based on manufacturer testing.

Personal audio devices are neither designed nor tested to this standard and can’t be relied on to protect workers against hazardous noise. Plus, workers often turn up the volume to overcome background noise, increasing their overall exposure and risk of hearing damage.

But noise-cancelling devices reduce sound. Doesn’t that count as protection?

Noise-cancelling technology is often misunderstood; it simply improves listening comfort by reducing steady, low-frequency sounds like engine or ventilation hum. However, this technology is no substitute for CSA Z94.2-compliant hearing protection designed for the higher-intensity, variable noise typical in many workplaces.

Are there hearing protection devices that do allow workers to listen to audio safely?

Yes. Some CSA Z94.2-compliant hearing protection devices also offer built-in audio streaming. The device must be labelled with a Class or Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). A few specialized products combine audio streaming with rated hearing protection, but most consumer devices like Apple AirPods earbuds are designed for listening, not hearing protection.

To be acceptable in the workplace, a hearing protection device with audio must be designed and tested for hearing protection and include output limiters that keep audio levels within safe limits.

These devices may be used only if the employer determines they will introduce no additional hazards and if workplace policy permits their use.

Some manufacturers claim their devices protect hearing, and some have even tested them. For example, in AirPods Pro 3s, the passive NRR and Class reportedly only applies when the device’s battery is dead, the “Off Listening Mode” is selected, or when “Loud Sound Reduction” is turned off, which isn’t how they’re typically worn.

What about using personal audio devices during tasks that aren’t noisy?

Employers must still consider the risks. Even in quieter environments, personal audio devices can reduce situational awareness and interfere with a worker’s ability to hear equipment, alarms, or warnings. Under the Workers Compensation Act and OHS Regulation, employers must assess hazards and ensure that equipment introduces no additional risk. This includes equipment like personal audio devices.

What else should employers do?

Employers should:

• Explain to workers the limits of personal audio devices and why they don’t adequately protect against hazardous noise.
• Provide a range of hearing protection that meets CSA Z94.2.
• Train workers on selecting and using hearing protection.
• Reinforce related policies.

Where can I get more information?

Visit our Hearing Loss Prevention page for more useful resources.

WorkSafeBC prevention and investigating officers cannot and do not provide advice on specific cases or issues referenced in this article. WorkSafeBC and WorkSafe Magazine disclaim responsibility for any reliance on this information, which is provided for readers’ general education only. For more specific information on prevention matters, contact the WorkSafeBC Prevention Information Line at 604.276.3100 or toll-free at 1.888.621.7233.

“AirPods Pro” and “AirPods” are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. WorkSafe Magazine is an independent publication and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Apple Inc.

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2026 issue of WorkSafe Magazine.

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