Working a lengthy time around loud noise can negatively impact your hearing, particularly when sound volume exceeds safe limits. Protecting your ears is imperative—not only for preventing hearing loss but also for preserving focus in noisy surroundings. So, how do you select the ideal level of hearing protection for your requirements?

Gaining understanding into sound intensity and its consequences

The effects of noise exposure aren’t just about intensity but also the period of exposure. We use dB—a unit that quantifies sound volume—as the primary metric for grasping noise levels. Hearing damage can begin when sound intensity reaches 85 dB or more, particularly after long-term exposure.

As a frame of context, 85 dB is approximately the same volume as the sound of city traffic heard 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. The safe period of exposure becomes shorter when the sound is louder:

• 90 dB (Lawnmower): Up to 4 hours of exposure can be harmful.
• 100 dB (Power tools): Limit exposure to 1 hour or less.
• At 110 dB (Leaf blower), damage can occur in as little as 15 minutes of exposure.
• Your hearing can be harmed by any exposure to a 120 dB sound (Rock concert).
• Exposure to 140 dB (Jet engine) results in immediate damage and intense pain.

Identifying unsafe noise levels

You must wear hearing protection when routinely exposed to 85 dB or louder sounds. Such protection is most critical in industrial settings, including factories and building areas, or any places where high noise is produced by devices, gear, or engines.

Even outside of the job, there are instances where hearing protection can be useful—attending shows, using leaf blowers, or engaging in recreational shooting sports are all pursuits that can expose you to dangerous noise levels.

Selecting hearing protection: Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR)

We evaluate the performance of hearing protection through its Noise Reduction Rating (the NRR). Stated in decibels, this figure shows the amount of sound reduction the protective device is able to block. The higher the NRR, the superior the protection against noise. As an example, earplugs rated at 30 dB NRR will lower an 85 dB noise to 55 dB, ensuring you remain securely below the danger boundary.

In selecting protection, you must evaluate the exact noise levels you encounter and confirm your chosen protector reduces the sound sufficiently to remain under 85 dB.

Consistency relies on comfort: why it’s so crucial

Although the NRR is essential, comfort is just as significant for securing that the protection will be used consistently over time. You might be tempted to take off the protection if it is uncomfortable or awkward, thereby subjecting your ears to harmful sound.

Comfortable hearing protection encourages continuous use, minimizing the risk of intermittent exposure. Consider if, for example, your earmuffs are too heavy or uncomfortable, you could remove them from time to time, leaving your ears vulnerable to dangerous noise.

The main forms of hearing protection equipment

Different forms of hearing protection exist, and each one offers unique advantages 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.
• Being reusable and resting just outside the ear canal, Pre-Molded Earplugs are a more sustainable choice and are also easier to insert and remove than foam earplugs.
• 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 determined by your own preference and the requirements of the environment you are in. By way of example, a construction worker might select earmuffs for their convenience, while someone working in a factory may prefer earplugs for uninterrupted use.

Making sure you wear it constantly

To ensure maximum efficacy, you must choose the hearing protection you will wear all the time. Stopping the use, even for a brief time, could cause permanent consequences for your hearing. Therefore, it is crucial to find a product that provides the right balance of protection, comfort, and convenience.

Taking steps for lasting hearing protection

We are constantly surrounded by noise, yet choosing the right protective device guarantees your ears are protected, allowing you to keep enjoying your acoustic surroundings.

Connect with us now to discuss your risk of noise-induced hearing loss and learn how to best maintain your hearing health.