Regulation 7 governs the use of hearing protection. It says ear protectors should not be a substitute for controlling noise by technical and organisational means. Employers must provide their employees with hearing protection if they ask for it and the noise exposure is between the lower and upper EAVs. If employers cannot reduce noise levels below the upper EAV, they must provide employees with personal hearing protectors. Regulation 7 requires employers to make personal hearing protectors available “after consultation with the employees concerned or their representatives”.