Prolonged exposure to loud noise can take a serious toll on your hearing health, especially in environments where sound levels surpass safe thresholds. Protecting your ears is vital—not only for warding off hearing loss but also for keeping focus in noisy settings. The question then is, how do you determine the correct level of protection required for your specific needs?
Interpreting noise volume and its results
The impacts of noise exposure aren’t just about volume but also the duration of exposure. We use decibels—a unit that quantifies sound volume—as the best metric for understanding noise levels. Once noise gets to a level of 85 dB or above, it poses a risk to your hearing, mainly if the exposure is extended.
As a frame of reference, 85 dB is roughly the same loudness as the sound of city traffic perceived from within a car. An eight-hour period of continuous exposure can lead to harm your hearing, even if the sound level doesn’t seem too loud. As the sound gets louder, the amount of time you can be exposed safely decreases:
- 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.
- 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.
- Exposure to 140 dB (Jet engine) results in immediate damage and intense pain.
Identifying unsafe noise levels
You must wear hearing protection when frequently exposed to 85 dB or louder levels. This holds chiefly true in work settings, such as factories, building areas, or anywhere where machinery, devices, or gear generate significant levels of noise.
Hearing protection is also useful outside of the workplace; pursuits like attending music concerts, operating leaf blowers, or participating in shooting sports can expose you to hazardous sound levels.
Choosing protection based on Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR)
Hearing protection efficacy is quantified using the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) scale. Measured in dB, this figure signifies the level of sound reduction the protector offers. A more substantial reduction in sound is ensured by increased NRR ratings. For example, earplugs with an NRR of 30 dB can reduce an 85 dB noise level to 55 dB, placing you comfortably within safe exposure thresholds.
In choosing protection, you must assess the specific noise levels you face and confirm your chosen device reduces the volume sufficiently to remain under 85 dB.
Comfort is important: the essential to continuous protection
While the NRR is an essential factor, comfort plays a similarly crucial role in guaranteeing sustained use. If hearing protection feels ill-fitting or cumbersome, you may be likely to remove it—leaving your ears exposed to damaging noise.
When the protection is easy to wear, it promotes constant use and lessens the danger associated with removing it occasionally. For instance, if earmuffs are too bulky or lead to discomfort, you may be inclined to remove them periodically, subjecting your ears to hazardous noise levels.
Exploring the different forms of ear protection
A selection of hearing protection devices are on offer, all with their own set of advantages 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.
- Pre-Molded Earplugs: These rest just outside the ear canal and are reusable, making them a more sustainable option. They’re easier to insert and remove compared to 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.
The ideal type of protection to choose is determined by your own comfort and the demands of the setting you are in. Construction workers, for instance, might prefer the ease of use provided by earmuffs, whereas factory personnel may select earplugs for constant wear.
Committing to unwavering hearing protection use
The most reliably effective hearing protection is the one you’ll wear steadily. Stopping the use, even for a short time, could cause permanent effects for your hearing. Therefore, it is necessary to find a product that provides the right balance of protection, comfort, and convenience.
Safeguard your hearing for the future
While noise is always present in our daily lives, using the proper hearing protection enables you to protect your ears and continue to enjoy the sounds of the world.
Reach out to us now to talk about your risk of noise-related hearing loss and how to best safeguard your hearing health.