Traditional walkie-talkies quickly reach their limits as soon as ambient noise exceeds 85 dB or when
teams are wearing hearing protection.
The most suitable alternatives are communication headsets and intercoms that incorporate
active hearing protection (such as the Louis model from Safehear, 3M Peltor, etc.),
Bluetooth hands-free intercom systems, and connected communication solutions that use the
company network rather than a traditional radio frequency.
Why Traditional Walkie-Talkies Reach Their Limits in Industrial Settings
Walkie-talkies (often using the license-free PMR446 standard) were designed for outdoor use or
events, not for noisy work environments:
You have to press a button to speak (push-to-talk), which is difficult to do
when your hands are full or gloved.
They do not filter out ambient noise: in a workshop or on a construction site, the voice is drowned out by
background noise, both on the transmitter and receiver ends.
It is not designed to be used with hearing protection: wearing ear muffs
AND holding a walkie-talkie to your ear means either sacrificing protection or sacrificing the ability to hear.
Range and audio quality deteriorate in metal or
enclosed environments (factories, basements, warehouses).
Alternatives to Consider
1. Communication headsets with built-in hearing protection
These are noise-canceling headsets (EN 352 standard) equipped with a microphone and a speaker, which
hearing protection while allowing you to communicate with the team. The benefit: just one piece of protective gear to wear,
hands-free, and communication that remains audible even in environments exceeding 90 dB.
2. Full-Duplex Bluetooth Intercoms
Unlike traditional walkie-talkies (where only one person speaks at a time), some systems
enable natural conversation, just like on a phone, without having to press a button. This is convenient for
teams that are constantly on the move (maintenance, logistics), and it’s also a key feature of
all products in the Safehear line.
3. Communication Solutions via IP Networks or Industrial Wi-Fi
For large sites, some companies use systems connected to the factory network
rather than a dedicated radio frequency, which allows for broader coverage and better
quality, but requires a suitable network infrastructure.
How to Choose
| Criterion | To be checked |
| Compatibility with PPE | Does the system work with helmets/protective gear that are already in place? |
| Hands-free | Do you need to press a button, or does the call go through automatically? |
| Range | Does it last a full day’s shift? |
| Actual range | Tested under real-world conditions (walls, machinery), not just outdoors |
| Long-lasting comfort | When worn for 8 hours a day, weight and warmth are just as important as the design |
Is a standard walkie-talkie sufficient in a noisy factory?
Occasionally, yes, but as soon as the noise level exceeds 85 dB continuously or the wearing of hearing protection is compulsory, a dedicated, built-in intercom system is far more suitable.
Do you need a licence to use these systems?
It depends on the frequency band used. PMR446 does not require a licence in Europe; other professional systems may require one. A reputable supplier should be able to clarify this for your specific use case. A licence will also incur an additional cost.
Safehear, in a nutshell
Safehear specialises in communication solutions designed for noisy or challenging environments. Our range of intercoms covers both short and long distances, with kits that are always hands-free and full-duplex — everyone can hear and respond to one another without pressing a button, just like in a natural conversation. Our systems incorporate audio filtering specifically designed for the noisiest professional environments, ensuring that voices remain clear even where conventional walkie-talkies fall short.
Our solutions are designed to be fully compatible with other PPE (helmets, hearing protection, personal protective equipment), and we offer a wide range of accessories to suit the needs of the industrial and public works sectors.
Beyond the hardware, we offer comprehensive customer support to help you precisely define your communication needs, identify any hidden costs associated with these requirements, and ultimately improve the productivity and performance of your teams in the field.
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