Exposure to noise for long periods poses a serious risk to your auditory health, particularly in settings where the sound volume exceeds safety thresholds. Ear protection is critical for both the prevention of hearing impairment and for keeping concentration in loud environments. What is the best way to determine the degree of hearing protection that is suitable for you?
The value of knowing noise levels and impacts
When evaluating the impact of noise, the duration of exposure is as significant as the sound’s loudness. Decibels are the central measurement metric for noise, measuring the intensity of sound. Hearing damage can begin when sound intensity hits 85 dB or more, particularly after extended exposure.
For context, 85 dB is equal to the noise level of city traffic experienced from inside a car. An eight-hour period of non-stop exposure can start to harm your hearing, even if the sound level doesn’t strike you as too loud. The safe time of exposure becomes brief when the sound is louder:
- A sound level of 90 dB (e.g., a Lawnmower) can cause damage after 4 hours of exposure.
- Exposure to 100 dB (Power tools) must be restricted to a maximum of 60 minutes.
- 110 dB (Leaf blower): Just 15 minutes of exposure can cause damage.
- Your hearing can be harmed by any exposure to a 120 dB sound (Rock concert).
- Immediate pain and damage are possible at 140 dB (Jet engine).
Pinpointing noise levels that are risky
It is vital to use hearing protection if your regular exposure is to noise levels of 85 dB. This holds most true in professional settings, such as factories, building areas, or anywhere where machinery, tools, or gear generate excessive levels of noise.
Hearing protection is also beneficial outside of the job; pursuits like attending music shows, operating leaf blowers, or participating in shooting sports can expose you to unsafe sound levels.
Choosing protection based on Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR)
The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is the key metric used to gauge how well hearing protection works. Measured in dB, this figure indicates the degree of sound blockage the device offers. More significant protection is shown by a higher NRR number. An instance is a pair of earplugs with a 30 dB NRR, which could drop an 85 dB sound to 55 dB, thereby maintaining you safely within the bounds of safe exposure.
To make a good selection, you should assess the actual noise intensity you are exposed to and confirm the device provides the required blockage to keep the volume below 85 dB.
Comfort matters: the foundation to continuous protection
While the NRR is a critical factor, comfort plays a similarly crucial role in guaranteeing continuous use. You might be tempted to take off the protection if it is uncomfortable or cumbersome, thereby subjecting your ears to damaging sound.
Comfortable hearing protection supports consistent use, reducing the danger of intermittent exposure. For illustration, if earmuffs are too heavy or cause discomfort, you may find yourself removing them occasionally, subjecting your ears to hazardous noise levels.
The main forms of hearing protection devices
There are several different types of hearing protection, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages:
- Foam Earplugs: These sit inside the ear canal and offer excellent noise reduction. They’re lightweight and disposable but may feel uncomfortable for some users.
- Pre-Molded Earplugs are positioned slightly outside the ear canal; they are reusable—a more sustainable choice—and are also easier to handle than foam earplugs.
- Earmuffs: Earmuffs cover the entire ear and are ideal for environments with fluctuating noise levels, as they’re easy to put on and take off. However, they may feel heavy or warm during extended use.
Choosing the correct type is based on your preferences and the requirements of your environment. For instance, workers in construction may choose the convenience of earmuffs, while factory personnel might choose earplugs for full-day wear.
Committing to unwavering hearing protection use
The most highly effective hearing protection is the one you’ll wear without fail. Taking off the protection for even a short time of minutes can result in permanent damage to your hearing. It is absolutely necessary to select a solution that strikes a balance between comfort, protection, and convenience for this purpose.
Securing your auditory health
We are always enclosed by noise, yet choosing the correct protective device ensures your ears are safeguarded, allowing you to keep enjoying your acoustic surroundings.
Reach out to us today to discuss your risk of noise-related hearing loss and how to best protect your hearing health.
