Spending a prolonged time in loud noise can drastically impact your hearing, particularly when sound intensity is above safe limits. Ear protection is important for both the prevention of hearing impairment and for keeping concentration in loud settings. The question then is, how do you select the appropriate level of protection needed for your specific situation?

Interpreting noise intensity and its consequences

Noise damage relies not only on the loudness of the sound but also on how long you are exposed to it. Decibels are the central measurement tool for noise, indicating the volume of sound. Hearing damage can begin when sound intensity hits 85 dB or more, particularly after sustained exposure.

To provide a illustration, 85 dB is comparable to the sound of urban traffic when heard from inside a vehicle. While this may not seem overly loud, non-stop exposure for eight hours can begin to harm your hearing. The more intense the sound, the less the safe exposure time:

• Exposure to 90 dB (the sound of a Lawnmower) for more than 4 hours is potentially damaging.
• Exposure to 100 dB (Power tools) must be restricted to a maximum of 60 minutes.
• Damage is possible after only 15 minutes at the 110 dB level (Leaf blower).
• Even momentary exposure to 120 dB (e.g., a Rock concert) is enough to cause hearing damage.
• Immediate pain and damage are possible at 140 dB (Jet engine).

Determining dangerous levels of noise

If you’re routinely exposed to noise levels of 85 dB or more, wearing hearing protection is vital. Such protection is chiefly critical in industrial settings, including plants and construction sites, or other places where high noise is produced by tools, equipment, or machinery.

You can encounter hazardous noise levels even in recreational pursuits—such as attending concerts, utilizing leaf blowers, or shooting sports—making hearing protection helpful outside of a job setting.

How the NRR guides your choice

Hearing protection effectiveness is measured using the Noise Reduction Rating (the NRR) scale. Measured in decibels, this figure indicates the level of sound reduction the device offers. The higher the NRR, the greater the protection against noise. As an illustration, earplugs rated at 30 dB NRR will lower an 85 dB noise to 55 dB, guaranteeing you remain safely below the danger threshold.

When deciding on your protection, you should evaluate the actual noise intensity you are exposed to and confirm the device offers the necessary blockage to keep the volume below 85 dB.

Why comfort is crucial for wearing hearing protection all the time

The NRR is undoubtedly important, but comfort is a similarly significant component in achieving steady, long-term use. You might be likely to take off the protection if it is ill-fitting or awkward, thereby exposing your ears to hazardous sound.

When the protection is comfortable, it promotes continuous use and lessens the risk associated with removing it intermittently. Imagine if, for example, your earmuffs are too cumbersome or uncomfortable, you could remove them from time to time, leaving your ears exposed to hazardous noise.

Different options of hearing protection available

Hearing protection comes in various forms, each with its benefits and disadvantages:

• Offering superior noise reduction, Foam Earplugs are placed inside the ear canal. While they are lightweight and disposable, some wearers may experience discomfort.
• 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.
• Covering the whole ear, Earmuffs are perfect for settings where noise volume changes, as they can be easily removed and replaced. Their drawbacks include potentially feeling warm or heavy over a long period.

The perfect type of protection to choose is dictated by your own comfort and the needs of the environment you are in. An example is construction workers favoring earmuffs for their simple convenience, while factory workers may select earplugs for a full day of wear.

Committing to consistent hearing protection wear

The best hearing protection is always the unit that you consistently wear. Interrupting the use, even for a short time, could cause permanent effects for your hearing. For this reason, finding a product that balances protection, comfort, and convenience is necessary.

Taking steps for lasting hearing protection

While noise is ever present in our daily lives, using the proper hearing protection allows you to safeguard your ears and continue to enjoy the sounds of the world.

To review the most effective methods for safeguarding your hearing health and assessing your risk for noise-related hearing damage, please contact us now.