Working a long time in loud noise can negatively impact your hearing, especially when sound volume surpasses safe limits. It is important to shield your ears, not only to avoid hearing damage, but also to help you pay attention in loud surroundings. What is the best way to find the level of hearing protection that is optimal for you?
Interpreting noise volume and its results
When evaluating the impact of noise, the length of exposure is as important as the sound’s volume. Decibels are the essential measurement unit for noise, representing the strength of sound. Hearing damage can start when sound volume hits 85 dB or more, particularly after sustained exposure.
To provide a reference, 85 dB is comparable to the sound of urban traffic when perceived from inside a vehicle. Though this loudness might not appear excessive, spending eight hours in it continuously can lead to hearing impairment. As the sound gets louder, the amount of time you can be exposed securely decreases:
- 90 dB (Lawnmower): Up to 4 hours of exposure can be harmful.
- Keep your exposure to 100 dB (Power tools) to less than 1 hour.
- Only 15 minutes of exposure to 110 dB (like a Leaf blower) is enough to cause harm.
- Your hearing can be harmed by any exposure to a 120 dB sound (Rock concert).
- Immediate pain and damage are possible at 140 dB (Jet engine).
Identifying hazardous noise levels
You must wear hearing protection when regularly exposed to 85 dB or louder sounds. This is particularly true in job sites like building areas, manufacturing plants, or any location where equipment, tools, or gear produce high noise.
You can encounter dangerous noise levels even in recreational hobbies—such as attending concerts, utilizing leaf blowers, or shooting sports—making hearing protection beneficial outside of a job setting.
Selecting hearing protection: Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR)
We gauge the efficacy of hearing protection through its Noise Reduction Rating (the NRR). Stated in dB, this figure indicates the amount of sound blockage the protective unit is capable of blocking. The greater the NRR, the better the protection against noise. As an example, earplugs rated at 30 dB NRR will decrease an 85 dB noise to 55 dB, guaranteeing you remain securely below the danger limit.
When making your choice, take into account the actual noise intensity you are facing and verify that the protection reduces the sound below the 85 dB limit.
Consistency depends on comfort: why it’s so essential
Comfort is a factor of equal importance to the NRR, as it strongly influences whether you will wear the protection consistently for the long haul. If the hearing protection is cumbersome or uncomfortable, you are inclined to remove it, which results in your hearing unprotected against harmful noise.
Comfortable hearing protection promotes continuous use, lowering the danger of periodic exposure. If, for example, earmuffs feel ill-fitting or are too heavy, you are likely to take them off periodically, resulting in harmful noise exposure.
A look at the different types of hearing protection
There are several different varieties of hearing protection, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages:
- 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: 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.
Choosing the correct type is based on your preferences and the demands of your environment. For illustration, workers in construction may prefer the ease of use of earmuffs, while factory personnel might select earplugs for all-day wear.
Ensuring consistent use
The most reliably effective hearing protection is the one you’ll wear consistently. Removing the protection for even a short time of minutes can lead to long-term damage to your hearing. For this reason, it is essential to find a product that provides the perfect balance of protection, comfort, and convenience.
Securing your auditory longevity
Noise is a constant part in our lives, but with the appropriate hearing protection, you can protect your ears while still managing to appreciate the sounds around you.
Speak with us now to discuss your risk of noise-induced hearing loss and find out how to best protect your hearing health.