Spending a prolonged time in loud noise can negatively impact your hearing, particularly when sound intensity goes past safe limits. Ear protection is critical for both the prevention of hearing impairment and for maintaining concentration in loud environments. The question then is, how do you figure out the best level of protection required for your specific needs?
Interpreting noise intensity and its consequences
Noise damage depends not only on the loudness of the sound but also on how long you are exposed to it. The main measurement for gauging noise levels is dB, a unit used to express sound volume. When sound levels get to 85 dB or higher, they can start to harm your hearing, especially with extended exposure.
To provide a reference, 85 dB is comparable to the sound of urban traffic when heard from inside a vehicle. While this may not seem overly loud, continuous exposure for eight hours can start to harm your hearing. The louder the sound, the shorter the safe exposure time:
- A sound level of 90 dB (e.g., a Lawnmower) can cause damage after 4 hours of exposure.
- 100 dB (Power tools): Limit exposure to 1 hour or less.
- At 110 dB (Leaf blower), damage can be caused 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.
- Immediate pain and damage are possible at 140 dB (Jet engine).
How to detect risky noise settings
If you’re regularly exposed to noise levels of 85 dB or more, wearing hearing protection is essential. This holds especially true in professional settings, such as plants, building areas, or locations where machinery, devices, or gear generate high levels of noise.
Beyond the work setting, instances 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.
How the NRR guides your choice
The Noise Reduction Rating (the NRR) is the key metric employed to measure how well hearing protection performs. Quantified in decibels, this figure shows the amount of sound blockage the protector offers. More significant protection is signified by a larger NRR value. For example, earplugs with an NRR of 30 dB can lower an 85 dB noise level to 55 dB, keeping you well within safe exposure limits.
To make a good selection, you should assess the specific noise intensity you are exposed to and confirm the protector provides the necessary blockage to keep the volume below 85 dB.
The vital function of comfort in consistent protection
Although the NRR is important, comfort is just as significant for securing that the protection will be employed consistently over time. If hearing protection feels discomforting or awkward, you may be tempted to remove it—leaving your ears unprotected to hazardous noise.
Comfortable hearing protection supports consistent use, reducing the risk of periodic exposure. Imagine if, for example, your earmuffs are too cumbersome or uncomfortable, you could remove them now and then, leaving your ears vulnerable to harmful noise.
The main categories of hearing protection gear
There are several different varieties of hearing protection, and each has its own 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.
Choosing the best type is dictated by your preferences and the requirements of your setting. By way of example, a construction worker might choose earmuffs for their convenience, while someone working in a factory may opt for earplugs for all-day use.
Maintaining uninterrupted use of protection
The superior hearing protection is always the unit that you consistently keep in place. Stopping the use, even for a short time, may have long-term consequences for your hearing. Therefore, it is crucial to discover a product that provides the right balance of protection, comfort, and convenience.
Protect your hearing for the coming years
Noise is an unavoidable factor in our lives, but with the right hearing protection, you can safeguard your ears while still managing to appreciate the sounds around you.
Connect with us today to discuss your potential of noise-induced hearing loss and find out how to optimally protect your hearing health.