Spending a lengthy time around loud noise can drastically impact your hearing, particularly when sound intensity goes past safe limits. It is critical to shield your ears, not only to avoid hearing damage, but also to help you maintain concentration in loud surroundings. Therefore, what steps should you take to choose the ideal hearing protection level suited to your situation?
The value of knowing noise levels and outcomes
The impacts of noise exposure aren’t just about intensity but also the duration of exposure. The primary measurement for assessing noise levels is dB, a unit used to measure sound intensity. When sound levels get to 85 dB or higher, they can begin to damage your hearing, chiefly with sustained exposure.
Consider that 85 dB is similar to the volume of city traffic noise heard while sitting in a car. While this may not seem overly loud, non-stop exposure for eight hours can start to damage your hearing. The safe duration of exposure becomes shorter when the sound is more intense:
- A sound level of 90 dB (e.g., a Lawnmower) can cause damage after 4 hours of exposure.
- Exposure to 100 dB (Power tools) must be restricted to a maximum of 60 minutes.
- 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 unsafe levels of noise
It is necessary to use hearing protection if your frequent exposure is to noise levels surpassing 85 dB. Such protection is especially critical in industrial settings, including factories and construction sites, or other places where excessive noise is produced by tools, gear, or machinery.
You can encounter dangerous noise levels even in recreational activities—such as attending shows, utilizing leaf blowers, or shooting sports—making hearing protection smart outside of a job setting.
How the Noise Reduction Rating guides your choice
Hearing protection efficacy is measured using the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) scale. Measured in dB, this figure indicates the amount of sound blockage the device offers. More significant protection is shown by a higher NRR value. As an example, earplugs rated at 30 dB NRR will decrease an 85 dB noise to 55 dB, guaranteeing you remain safely below the danger limit.
In choosing protection, you must gauge the precise noise levels you encounter and ensure your chosen protector reduces the volume sufficiently to remain under 85 dB.
Comfort matters: the key to steady protection
Comfort is a factor of similar importance to the NRR, as it strongly impacts whether you will use the protection consistently for the long haul. If hearing protection feels uncomfortable or awkward, you may be tempted to remove it—leaving your ears exposed to harmful noise.
Choosing well-fitting hearing protection results in continuous wear, thus decreasing the danger that you will be exposed to noise periodically. Consider if, for example, your earmuffs are too heavy or ill-fitting, you could remove them now and then, leaving your ears vulnerable to hazardous noise.
Different types of hearing protection available
A selection of hearing protection devices are available, all with their own set of 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.
- 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.
- 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.
The perfect type of protection to select is dictated by your own comfort and the demands of the environment you are in. Construction workers, for instance, might prefer the ease of use provided by earmuffs, whereas factory staff may opt for earplugs for all-day wear.
Maintaining steady use of protection
The most effective hearing protection is the one you’ll wear without fail. Taking off the protection for even a short time of minutes can result in lasting harm to your hearing. A device that successfully integrates convenience, protection, and comfort is, as a result, critical.
Taking steps for long-lasting hearing protection
While noise is an unavoidable part of life, suitable hearing protection allows you to protect your hearing without sacrificing the sounds around you.
Reach out to us now to discuss your risk of noise-related hearing loss and how to best safeguard your hearing health.