Spending a long time in loud noise can significantly impact your hearing, particularly when sound volume goes past safe limits. It is vital to shield your ears, not just to prevent hearing damage, but also to help you maintain concentration in loud settings. The question then is, how do you select the appropriate level of protection needed for your specific needs?
Gaining insight into sound volume and its consequences
The effects of noise exposure aren’t just about volume but also the length of exposure. We use dB—a unit that measures sound volume—as the best metric for understanding noise levels. Hearing damage can initiate when sound intensity reaches 85 dB or more, particularly after extended exposure.
To provide a illustration, 85 dB is similar to the sound of urban traffic when perceived from inside a vehicle. An eight-hour period of continuous exposure can start to harm your hearing, even if the sound level doesn’t strike you as excessively loud. The louder the sound, the less the safe exposure time:
- Damage can occur with up to 4 hours of exposure at 90 dB (Lawnmower).
- 100 dB (Power tools): Limit exposure to 1 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).
Determining damaging levels of noise
You must wear hearing protection when regularly exposed to 85 dB or louder sounds. This holds especially true in professional settings, such as plants, building areas, or locations where machinery, tools, or gear generate high levels of noise.
You can encounter dangerous noise levels even in recreational hobbies—such as attending shows, utilizing leaf blowers, or shooting sports—making hearing protection helpful outside of a job setting.
Selecting hearing protection: Noise Reduction Ratings
Hearing protection effectiveness is measured using the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) scale. Quantified in dB, this figure shows the amount of sound reduction the protector offers. More significant protection is indicated by a higher NRR value. 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 boundary.
When making your decision, consider the particular noise intensity you are facing and confirm that the protection reduces the sound below the 85 dB threshold.
Comfort is important: the secret to continuous protection
Comfort is a factor of equal importance to the NRR, as it directly impacts whether you will use the protection consistently for the long haul. An ill-fitting or awkward protective gear raises the temptation to remove it, which exposes your ears to dangerous noise.
The more comfortable the device, the higher the chance you are to use it continuously, which effectively reduces the danger of occasional exposure. For instance, if earmuffs are too heavy or lead to discomfort, you may find yourself removing them periodically, subjecting your ears to harmful noise levels.
A look at the different types of hearing protection
A range of hearing protection devices are on offer, all with their own set of pros and drawbacks:
- 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 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.
Your selection should be informed by your comfort preferences and the criteria imposed by your setting. For instance, workers in construction may prefer the convenience of earmuffs, while factory personnel might opt for earplugs for continuous wear.
The importance of constant protection
The protection that is worn consistently is, by definition, the most effective kind. Removing the protection for even a few minutes can result in lasting damage to your hearing. It is extremely important to identify a solution that optimizes between comfort, protection, and convenience for this purpose.
Taking steps for long-lasting hearing protection
While noise is ever present in our daily lives, using the appropriate hearing protection enables you to safeguard your ears and still enjoy the sounds of the world.
Connect with us today to review your potential of noise-induced hearing loss and find out how to best preserve your hearing health.