Working a prolonged time around loud noise can severely impact your hearing, especially when sound volume surpasses safe limits. Protecting your ears is crucial—not only for preventing hearing loss but also for keeping focus in noisy settings. The question then is, how do you decide the optimal level of protection required for your specific situation?
How noise levels affect your hearing
The impacts of noise exposure aren’t just about volume but also the duration of exposure. The main measurement for gauging noise levels is decibels, a unit used to quantify sound intensity. Once noise gets to a level of 85 dB or above, it creates a threat to your hearing, mainly if the exposure is extended.
Consider that 85 dB matches the volume of city traffic noise perceived while sitting in a car. While this may not seem overly loud, uninterrupted exposure for eight hours can begin to damage your hearing. The safe period of exposure becomes shorter when the sound is louder:
- Damage can result 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).
- Exposure to 140 dB (Jet engine) results in immediate damage and intense pain.
Identifying harmful noise levels
It is vital to use hearing protection if your routine exposure is to noise levels of 85 dB. Such protection is chiefly important in industrial settings, including plants and building areas, or other places where high noise is produced by tools, gear, or machinery.
Even outside of the job, there are circumstances where hearing protection can be helpful—attending shows, using leaf blowers, or engaging in recreational shooting sports are all pastimes that can expose you to dangerous noise levels.
Selecting hearing protection: Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR
The Noise Reduction Rating (the NRR) is the key metric used to gauge how well hearing protection functions. This rating indicates how much sound the unit can attenuate, expressed in dB. The larger the NRR, the better the protection against sound. For instance, earplugs with an NRR of 30 dB can decrease an 85 dB noise level to 55 dB, maintaining you well within safe exposure thresholds.
When making your selection, evaluate the particular noise volume you are facing and ensure that the protection reduces the sound below the 85 dB threshold.
Comfort is paramount for continuous use of protection
While the NRR is a key factor, comfort plays an equally crucial role in securing continuous use. You might be inclined to take off the protection if it is uncomfortable or cumbersome, thereby exposing your ears to hazardous sound.
When the protection is comfortable, it encourages constant use and minimizes the risk associated with removing it occasionally. Imagine if, for example, your earmuffs are too heavy or uncomfortable, you could remove them from time to time, leaving your ears exposed to dangerous noise.
A look at the multiple styles of hearing protection
Hearing protection comes in several types, each with its benefits and drawbacks:
- Offering superior noise reduction, Foam Earplugs are placed inside the ear canal. While they are lightweight and disposable, some wearers may experience discomfort.
- Being reusable and resting just outside the ear canal, Pre-Molded Earplugs are a more sustainable choice and are also easier to insert and remove than foam earplugs.
- Earmuffs enclose the ear completely; they are best for varying noise environments because of their ease of removal and donning. A common disadvantage is that they can feel warm or heavy with continuous wear.
The perfect type of protection to select is determined by your own comfort and the needs of the setting you are in. Construction workers, for example, might favor the ease of use offered by earmuffs, whereas factory personnel may select earplugs for all-day wear.
The necessity of uninterrupted protection
The most effective hearing protection is always the protector that you steadily keep in place. Any interruption in use, even for a short period of minutes, can have lasting results for your hearing health. Therefore, it is necessary to find a product that offers the right balance of protection, comfort, and convenience.
Securing your auditory future
While noise is a constant part of life, correct hearing protection enables you to safeguard your hearing while still enjoying the sounds surrounding you.
Contact us today to talk about your likelihood of hearing loss from noise and the optimal ways to protect your hearing.
