Your hearing health can be greatly affected by sustained noise exposure, especially in environments where noise intensity surpasses safe limits. Ear protection is necessary for both the prevention of hearing impairment and for keeping concentration in loud areas. The question then is, how do you select the appropriate level of protection necessary for your specific situation?
Understanding noise levels and their effects
Noise damage relies not only on the loudness of the sound but also on how much time you are exposed to it. We use dB—a unit that quantifies sound volume—as the primary metric for grasping noise levels. Sounds at 85 dB and up can result in hearing harm, particularly when exposure is continuous.
Consider that 85 dB matches the volume of city traffic noise perceived while sitting in a car. Though this loudness might not appear excessive, spending eight hours in it continuously can cause hearing impairment. The louder the sound, the shorter the safe exposure time:
- 90 dB (Lawnmower): Up to 4 hours of exposure can be harmful.
- You should keep exposure to 100 dB (such as Power tools) to one hour or less.
- Damage is possible after only 15 minutes at the 110 dB level (Leaf blower).
- 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).
Identifying risky noise levels
If you’re routinely exposed to noise levels of 85 dB or more, wearing hearing protection is necessary. This is especially true in workplaces like building areas, factories, or any environment where equipment, tools, or gear produce excessive noise.
Hearing protection is also helpful outside of the workplace; activities like attending music concerts, operating leaf blowers, or participating in shooting sports can subject you to dangerous sound levels.
Choosing protection based on Noise Reduction Ratings
Hearing protection effectiveness is measured using the Noise Reduction Rating (the NRR) scale. This rating tells you how much sound the device can block, given in dB. A greater decrease in sound is provided by higher NRR ratings. To give a practical example, a 30 dB NRR on earplugs would decrease an 85 dB noise down to 55 dB, which is a sound level far below the unsafe limit.
In selecting protection, you must assess the exact noise levels you face and verify your chosen protector reduces the volume sufficiently to remain under 85 dB.
Consistency hinges on comfort: why it’s so crucial
Although the NRR is important, comfort is equally significant for ensuring that the protection will be used consistently over time. If the hearing protection is bulky or ill-fitting, you are more likely to remove it, which leaves your hearing unprotected against harmful noise.
Choosing comfortable hearing protection results in consistent wear, thus lowering the danger that you will be exposed to noise intermittently. To illustrate, heavy or uncomfortable earmuffs may be removed by the wearer now and then, exposing their ears to hazardous sound levels.
Different options of hearing protection available
Different types of hearing protection exist, and each one offers unique benefits 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: 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, which cover the entire ear, are well-suited for environments with changing noise levels due to how easy they are to take on and off, but they can be heavy or hot during prolonged use.
The perfect type of protection to choose is determined by your own preference and the needs of the environment you are in. Construction workers, for instance, might prefer the ease of use provided by earmuffs, whereas factory employees may opt for earplugs for all-day wear.
Making sure you wear it all the time
To ensure maximum effectiveness, you must choose the hearing protection you will wear continuously. Even a short time without protection can lead to permanent negative effects on your auditory health. It is vitally important to identify a solution that optimizes between comfort, protection, and convenience for this reason.
Taking steps for lasting hearing protection
Noise is a constant presence in our lives, but with the correct hearing protection, you can shield your ears while still managing to enjoy the sounds around you.
Get in touch with us now to discuss your potential of noise-induced hearing loss and learn how to best preserve your hearing health.
