Working an extended time around loud noise can significantly impact your hearing, particularly when sound intensity exceeds safe limits. You must safeguard your ears; this is key for not just preventing hearing loss—it also helps you maintain focus in noisy conditions. What is the best way to select the level of hearing protection that is suitable for you?
How noise levels influence your hearing
The harm caused by noise exposure is a function of both its volume and the duration spent in that environment. dB’s are the critical measurement unit for noise, indicating the volume of sound. Once noise gets to a level of 85 dB or above, it creates a risk to your hearing, mainly if the exposure is prolonged.
For comparison, 85 dB is equal to the noise level of city traffic experienced from inside a car. While this may not seem too loud, uninterrupted exposure for eight hours can begin to damage your hearing. The more intense the sound, the shorter the safe exposure time:
- Damage can happen with up to 4 hours of exposure at 90 dB (Lawnmower).
- You should keep exposure to 100 dB (such as Power tools) to one hour or less.
- At 110 dB (Leaf blower), damage can result in as little as 15 minutes of exposure.
- Exposure to 120 dB (a Rock concert) will damage your hearing instantly.
- 140 dB (Jet engine): Immediate damage and pain can occur.
Recognizing dangerous sound volumes
It is crucial to use hearing protection if your frequent exposure is to noise levels above 85 dB. Such protection is most important in industrial settings, including factories and construction sites, or other places where excessive noise is produced by devices, gear, or engines.
Hearing protection is also valuable outside of the workplace; activities like attending music shows, operating leaf blowers, or participating in shooting sports can expose you to hazardous sound levels.
The importance of Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR) in finding protection
Hearing protection efficacy is rated using the Noise Reduction Rating (the NRR) scale. Stated in dB, this figure tells you the level of sound reduction the protective device is able to block. More significant protection is indicated by a larger NRR value. To give a practical example, a 30 dB NRR on earplugs would lower an 85 dB noise down to 55 dB, which is a sound level far below the unsafe limit.
When selecting hearing protection, evaluate the exact noise levels you’re exposed to and verify your choice provides enough reduction to stay below the 85 dB threshold.
Comfort is essential for long-term use of protection
While the NRR is a vital factor, comfort plays an equally crucial role in guaranteeing sustained use. An ill-fitting or cumbersome protective gear raises the inclination to remove it, which exposes your ears to harmful noise.
Comfortable hearing protection encourages steady use, lowering the danger of intermittent exposure. If, for instance, earmuffs feel uncomfortable or weigh too much, you are likely to take them off periodically, resulting in hazardous noise exposure.
A look at the different options of hearing protection
Different varieties of hearing protection exist, and each one presents unique benefits and cons:
- Foam Earplugs: These sit inside the ear canal and offer excellent noise reduction. They’re lightweight and disposable but may feel uncomfortable for some users.
- 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 choose is dictated by your own comfort and the needs of the setting you are in. For instance, workers in construction may choose the convenience of earmuffs, while factory employees might select earplugs for all-day wear.
Maintaining constant use of protection
The protection that is worn without fail is, by its very design, the best performing kind. Even a short period without protection can cause permanent harm on your auditory health. Consequently, it is essential to discover a product that provides the optimal balance of protection, comfort, and convenience.
Securing your auditory future
Noise is an ever-present factor in our lives, but with the correct hearing protection, you can protect your ears while still managing to appreciate the sounds around you.
Reach out to us now to talk about your potential for noise-related hearing loss and how to most effectively safeguard your hearing health.