Exposure to noise for long periods poses a significant risk to your auditory health, particularly in environments where the sound volume exceeds safety thresholds. Ear protection is necessary for both the avoidance of hearing loss and for keeping concentration in loud areas. The question then is, how do you ascertain the correct level of protection required for your specific needs?
The value of knowing noise levels and outcomes
Noise damage depends not only on the loudness of the sound but also on how long you are exposed to it. We use dB—a unit that quantifies sound intensity—as the best metric for grasping noise levels. When sound levels hit 85 dB or higher, they can start to injure your hearing, chiefly with sustained exposure.
As a frame of context, 85 dB is about the same loudness as the sound of city traffic heard from within a car. While this may not seem overly loud, continuous exposure for eight hours can begin to harm your hearing. The more intense the sound, the less the safe exposure time:
- 90 dB (Lawnmower): Up to 4 hours of exposure can be harmful.
- Keep your exposure to 100 dB (Power tools) to less than 1 hour.
- 110 dB (Leaf blower): Just 15 minutes of exposure can cause damage.
- Even momentary exposure to 120 dB (e.g., a Rock concert) is enough to cause hearing damage.
- Exposure to 140 dB (Jet engine) results in immediate damage and intense pain.
Determining harmful levels of noise
It is necessary to use hearing protection if your routine exposure is to noise levels surpassing 85 dB. Such protection is most critical in industrial settings, including plants and construction sites, or other places where excessive noise is produced by tools, equipment, or machinery.
Beyond the work setting, situations like recreational shooting sports, using leaf blowers, or going to shows are examples where you may gain an advantage from using hearing protection due to the dangerous noise exposure.
Using the NRR to choose the right hearing protection
We gauge the effectiveness of hearing protection through its Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). The rating shows the level of sound reduction, stated in decibels, that the unit provides. The larger the NRR, the superior the protection against sound. To give a concrete example, a 30 dB NRR on earplugs would drop an 85 dB noise down to 55 dB, which is a sound level far below the dangerous limit.
To make a good selection, you should assess the actual noise intensity you are exposed to and ensure the protector provides the necessary reduction to keep the volume below 85 dB.
Why comfort is crucial for wearing hearing protection all the time
Although the NRR is essential, comfort is just as significant for securing that the protection will be used consistently over time. An ill-fitting or awkward protective device increases the inclination to remove it, which exposes your ears to hazardous noise.
The more comfortable the protector, the more likely you are to use it consistently, which effectively reduces the threat of intermittent exposure. To illustrate, bulky or ill-fitting earmuffs may be removed by the wearer occasionally, exposing their ears to hazardous sound levels.
Different varieties of hearing protection to choose from
Different varieties of hearing protection exist, and each one offers unique pros 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, 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.
Choosing the correct type is based on your comfort and the needs of your surroundings. By way of illustration, a construction worker might select earmuffs for their simplicity, while someone working in a factory may prefer earplugs for all-day use.
Ensuring consistent use
The protection that is used without fail is, by nature, the best performing kind. Removing the protection for even a few minutes can lead to lasting harm to your hearing. For this reason, finding a device that optimizes protection, comfort, and convenience is essential.
Securing your auditory future
We are constantly surrounded by noise, yet choosing the correct protective equipment ensures your ears are safeguarded, allowing you to continue enjoying your acoustic environment.
Connect with us now to discuss your potential of noise-induced hearing loss and learn how to optimally protect your hearing health.
