Spending a long time around loud noise can negatively impact your hearing, particularly when sound volume exceeds safe limits. Protecting your ears is imperative—not only for warding off hearing loss but also for keeping focus in noisy surroundings. So, how do you find the optimal level of hearing protection for your needs?
Gaining understanding into sound intensity and its consequences
Noise damage depends not only on the loudness of the sound but also on how long you are exposed to it. dB’s are the fundamental measurement unit for noise, indicating the strength of sound. Sounds at 85 dB and up may lead to hearing impairment, primarily when exposure is prolonged.
To provide a illustration, 85 dB is comparable to the sound of urban traffic when experienced from inside a vehicle. An eight-hour period of non-stop exposure can start to damage your hearing, even if the sound level doesn’t strike you as overly loud. As the sound increases in volume, the duration of time you can be exposed securely decreases:
- Damage can occur with up to 4 hours of exposure at 90 dB (Lawnmower).
- Limit your exposure to 100 dB (Power tools) to less than 1 hour.
- Only 15 minutes of exposure to 110 dB (like a Leaf blower) is enough to cause harm.
- 120 dB (Rock concert): Any exposure at this level can damage your hearing.
- Exposure to 140 dB (Jet engine) results in immediate damage and intense pain.
Identifying unsafe noise levels
It is mandatory to use hearing protection if your frequent exposure is to noise levels exceeding 85 dB. This holds especially true in professional settings, such as factories, building areas, or anywhere where equipment, devices, or gear generate excessive levels of noise.
You can encounter dangerous noise levels even in recreational pursuits—such as attending shows, utilizing leaf blowers, or shooting sports—making hearing protection smart outside of a job setting.
Selecting hearing protection: Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR)
Hearing protection effectiveness is rated using the Noise Reduction Rating (the NRR) scale. This rating tells you how much sound the protector can reduce, expressed in decibels. Higher NRR values offer better protection. As an example, earplugs rated at 30 dB NRR will lower an 85 dB noise to 55 dB, guaranteeing you remain securely below the danger limit.
In selecting protection, you must evaluate the exact noise levels you are exposed to and verify your chosen device reduces the volume sufficiently to remain under 85 dB.
Comfort is important: the foundation to consistent protection
The NRR is undoubtedly important, but comfort is a similarly significant component in achieving consistent, long-term use. You might be inclined to take off the protection if it is ill-fitting or awkward, thereby subjecting your ears to hazardous sound.
The more comfortable the device, the higher the chance you are to use it continuously, which significantly reduces the danger of intermittent exposure. Imagine if, for example, your earmuffs are too cumbersome or ill-fitting, you could remove them now and then, leaving your ears vulnerable to dangerous noise.
Different varieties of hearing protection available
A variety of hearing protection options are available, all with their own set of benefits and disadvantages:
- Foam Earplugs are worn in the ear canal and deliver excellent protection; they are disposable and light, but not everyone finds them comfortable.
- Pre-Molded Earplugs: These rest just outside the ear canal and are reusable, making them a more sustainable option. They’re easier to insert and remove compared to 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 best type depends on your comfort and the requirements of your surroundings. Construction workers, for instance, might prefer the ease of use offered by earmuffs, whereas factory staff may choose earplugs for all-day wear.
Ensuring continuous use
The most reliably effective hearing protection is the one you’ll wear steadily. Any break in use, even for a few minutes, can have lasting consequences for your hearing health. For this purpose, finding a solution that balances protection, comfort, and convenience is necessary.
Ensure your future hearing health
Noise is an ever-present part in our lives, but with the appropriate hearing protection, you can protect your ears while continuing to enjoy the sounds around you.
Contact us now to discuss your likelihood of hearing loss from noise and the optimal ways to protect your hearing.