Spending a prolonged time in loud noise can severely impact your hearing, particularly when sound intensity exceeds safe limits. You must protect your ears; this is key for not just preventing hearing loss—it also helps you maintain focus amidst noisy conditions. What is the most effective way to select the degree of hearing protection that is right for you?
How noise levels influence your hearing
The injury caused by noise exposure is a combination of both its volume and the time spent in that environment. We use dB—a unit that measures sound volume—as the best metric for comprehending noise levels. Once noise reaches a level of 85 dB or above, it poses a danger to your hearing, mainly if the exposure is extended.
Consider that 85 dB matches the intensity of city traffic noise heard while sitting in a car. An eight-hour period of non-stop exposure can lead to harm your hearing, even if the sound level doesn’t strike you as overly loud. As the sound intensifies, the period of time you can be exposed securely 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.
- At 110 dB (Leaf blower), damage can result in as little as 15 minutes of exposure.
- Even momentary exposure to 120 dB (e.g., a Rock concert) is enough to cause hearing damage.
- A sound level of 140 dB (Jet engine) can cause instant pain and damage.
Identifying risky noise levels
If you are routinely around noise at 85 dB or higher, hearing protection becomes a necessary requirement. This is especially true in workplaces like building areas, factories, or any location where machinery, tools, or gear produce high noise.
Beyond the work setting, situations like recreational shooting sports, using leaf blowers, or going to concerts are examples where you may gain an advantage from using hearing protection due to the dangerous noise exposure.
Choosing protection based on Noise Reduction Ratings
The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is the primary metric used to gauge how well hearing protection functions. The rating shows the level of sound blockage, given in dB, that the protector provides. The greater the NRR, the superior the protection against noise. To give a practical example, a 30 dB NRR on earplugs would drop an 85 dB noise down to 55 dB, which is a sound level well under the dangerous limit.
In choosing protection, you must evaluate the precise noise levels you are exposed to and verify your chosen device reduces the volume sufficiently to remain under 85 dB.
Comfort is essential for long-term use of protection
While the NRR is a vital factor, comfort plays an equally crucial role in securing continuous use. An ill-fitting or cumbersome protective gear raises the inclination to remove it, which leaves your ears to harmful noise.
The more comfortable the protector, the more likely you are to use it continuously, which significantly reduces the danger of occasional exposure. Consider if, for example, your earmuffs are too cumbersome or uncomfortable, you could remove them now and then, leaving your ears exposed to hazardous noise.
What are the categories of hearing protection?
There are a few different types of hearing protection, and each has its own pros and drawbacks:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Your choice should be informed by your comfort preferences and the criteria imposed by your environment. By way of example, a construction worker might select earmuffs for their convenience, while someone working in a factory may prefer earplugs for all-day use.
Ensuring consistent use
The most highly effective hearing protection is the one you’ll wear consistently. Taking off the protection for even a short time of minutes can lead to lasting damage to your hearing. A product that successfully combines convenience, protection, and comfort is, therefore, important.
Safeguard your hearing for the long term
While noise is ever present in our daily lives, using the proper hearing protection allows you to shield your ears and still appreciate the sounds of the world.
Reach out to us now to review your potential for noise-related hearing loss and how to most effectively safeguard your hearing health.
