Prolonged exposure to loud noise can take a significant toll on your hearing health, chiefly in environments where sound levels go above safe thresholds. Ear protection is important for both the prevention of hearing loss and for maintaining concentration in loud settings. Therefore, what steps should you take to identify the ideal hearing protection level matched to your needs?
Gaining insight into sound volume and its effects
When considering the impact of noise, the duration of exposure is as important as the sound’s intensity. Decibels are the fundamental measurement metric for noise, representing the volume of sound. Sounds at 85 dB and beyond could cause hearing harm, primarily when exposure is lengthy.
As a frame of context, 85 dB is roughly the same loudness as the sound of city traffic perceived from within a car. Even though this might not sound overly intense, eight hours of continuous exposure at this level can begin damage to your hearing. As the sound increases in volume, the amount of time you can be exposed securely decreases:
- Damage can happen with up to 4 hours of exposure at 90 dB (Lawnmower).
- Exposure to 100 dB (Power tools) must be restricted to a maximum of 60 minutes.
- At 110 dB (Leaf blower), damage can result in as little as 15 minutes of exposure.
- 120 dB (Rock concert): Any exposure at this level can damage your hearing.
- Immediate pain and damage are possible at 140 dB (Jet engine).
Determining damaging levels of noise
You must wear hearing protection when routinely exposed to 85 dB or louder levels. This holds chiefly true in work settings, such as plants, construction sites, or places where machinery, tools, or gear generate high levels of noise.
Hearing protection is also valuable outside of the job; pursuits like attending music concerts, operating leaf blowers, or participating in shooting sports can subject you to dangerous sound levels.
The role of Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR) in selection
The Noise Reduction Rating (the NRR) is the standard metric employed to gauge how well hearing protection functions. The rating shows the level of sound reduction, given in decibels, that the protector provides. A more substantial decrease in sound is guaranteed by higher NRR ratings. For illustration, earplugs with an NRR of 30 dB can decrease an 85 dB noise level to 55 dB, maintaining you well within safe exposure limits.
To make a good selection, you should evaluate the actual noise intensity you are exposed to and confirm the device offers the necessary reduction to keep the volume below 85 dB.
Comfort matters: the foundation to consistent protection
While the NRR is a critical factor, comfort plays a similarly important role in securing sustained use. When the hearing protection is bulky or ill-fitting, you are more likely to remove it, which leaves your hearing vulnerable against harmful noise.
The more comfortable the protector, the higher the chance you are to use it consistently, which significantly reduces the danger of occasional exposure. To illustrate, heavy or uncomfortable earmuffs may be removed by the wearer occasionally, subjecting their ears to harmful sound levels.
Exploring the various forms of ear protection
Hearing protection is available in multiple types, each with its advantages and cons:
- Foam Earplugs are worn in the ear canal and deliver excellent protection; they are disposable and light, but not everyone finds them comfortable.
- Resting right outside the ear canal, Pre-Molded Earplugs are reusable and thus a more eco-friendly choice. They are simpler to take out and put in than their foam counterparts.
- 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 best choice of protection is determined by your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your surroundings. For example, workers in construction may choose the convenience of earmuffs, while factory staff might opt for earplugs for all-day wear.
Maintaining constant use of protection
To achieve maximum effectiveness, you must find the hearing protection you will wear all the time. Even a brief time without protection can lead to lasting consequences on your auditory health. It is vitally important to select a solution that strikes a balance between comfort, protection, and convenience for this purpose.
Taking steps for long-lasting hearing protection
While noise is a constant part of life, suitable hearing protection enables you to secure your hearing while still enjoying the sounds around you.
Contact us now to talk about your likelihood of hearing loss from noise and the optimal ways to protect your hearing.
