Server rooms - High tech hearing protection??

[Mike1983]

Hello

Not the typical tech question but I was wondering if there are any people here experienced with working in noisy server rooms / data centres over long periods and if so do you take any precautions regarding ear plugs etc?

Albeit not servers, we deploy a lot of technology in buildings similar to data centres, lots of fans (equipment and A/C) permanently running for the entire shift (12hr consecutive shifts)

We use ear plugs but this makes communicating with colleagues difficult. I was wondering if anyone has experience of a more advanced solution to drowning out the background noise but keeping comms with colleagues open?

I remember reading about a radio / mic system that the military use with custom moulded ear plugs which would be fantastic but obviously assumed to be too expensive and not "staff generic".

A long shot but does anyone have any decent ideas or direct experience?

Thank you

 

[Mike1983]

Thanks for the replies.

Got in touch with a specialist company who do all kinds of systems for the likes of motor racing, oil rigs, fire service etc... They're going to come and visit us to demonstrate a few options.

Will report back when decided.

 

[Mike1983]

Hi all

We did some initial kit trials and my employer met this with positive praise and confirmed funding for a high tech solution. I've settled on a system that works as an over the ear defender with the ability to electronically pipe in ambient noise (dB limited) and also active mic comms between colleagues.

It's been a good project and has even made the equipment room owner consider additional safeguards for other staff who work in there (as they should have done already!)

Mike