Prolonged exposure to sound can take a severe toll on your hearing health, especially in settings where sound levels exceed safe thresholds. Protecting your ears is crucial—not only for warding off hearing loss but also for maintaining focus in noisy settings. So, how do you find the right level of hearing protection for your needs?
How noise levels impact your hearing
When evaluating the effect of noise, the duration of exposure is as significant as the sound’s intensity. The primary measurement for assessing noise levels is decibels, a unit used to measure sound loudness. Hearing damage can start when sound intensity reaches 85 dB or more, especially after sustained exposure.
As a frame of reference, 85 dB is about the same loudness as the sound of city traffic heard from within a car. Even though this might not sound overly intense, eight hours of continuous exposure at this level can begin damage to your hearing. The louder the sound, the less the safe exposure time:
- 90 dB (Lawnmower): Up to 4 hours of exposure can be harmful.
- Exposure to 100 dB (Power tools) must be restricted to a maximum of 60 minutes.
- Damage is possible after only 15 minutes at the 110 dB level (Leaf blower).
- 120 dB (Rock concert): Any exposure at this level can damage your hearing.
- Exposure to 140 dB (Jet engine) results in immediate damage and intense pain.
Pinpointing noise levels that pose a hazard
It is vital to use hearing protection if your regular exposure is to noise levels surpassing 85 dB. This holds chiefly true in professional settings, such as factories, building areas, or locations where machinery, devices, or gear generate excessive levels of noise.
Hearing protection is also helpful outside of the workplace; pursuits like attending music shows, operating leaf blowers, or participating in shooting sports can subject you to hazardous sound levels.
Selecting hearing protection: Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR
The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is the key metric used to measure how well hearing protection works. The rating shows the level of sound attenuation, stated in dB, that the protector provides. The larger the NRR, the superior the protection against noise. An instance is a pair of earplugs with a 30 dB NRR, which could lower an 85 dB sound to 55 dB, thereby keeping you safely within the limits of safe exposure.
When deciding on your protection, you should assess the specific noise intensity you are exposed to and verify the device provides the required blockage to keep the sound below 85 dB.
Comfort matters: the secret to uninterrupted protection
The NRR is undoubtedly important, but comfort is a similarly significant component in achieving steady, sustained use. An uncomfortable or cumbersome protective unit raises the inclination to remove it, which leaves your ears to hazardous noise.
When the protection is easy to wear, it encourages continuous use and lessens the risk associated with removing it periodically. If, for example, earmuffs feel ill-fitting or weigh too much, you are likely to take them off occasionally, resulting in harmful noise exposure.
The main types of hearing protection equipment
Different types of hearing protection are available, and each one features unique benefits and drawbacks:
- Offering superior noise reduction, Foam Earplugs are placed inside the ear canal. While they are lightweight and disposable, some wearers may experience discomfort.
- Pre-Molded Earplugs are positioned slightly outside the ear canal; they are reusable—a more sustainable choice—and are also easier to handle than foam earplugs.
- 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.
The ideal type of protection to choose is dictated 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 simplicity, while someone working in a factory may opt for earplugs for all-day use.
Maintaining steady use of protection
The protection that is worn without fail is, by nature, the most effective kind. Even a brief period without protection can cause long-term harm on your auditory health. For this reason, finding a device that balances protection, comfort, and convenience is crucial.
Taking steps for permanent hearing protection
We are always enclosed by noise, yet choosing the right protective equipment ensures your ears are safeguarded, enabling you to continue enjoying your acoustic surroundings.
Connect with us today to discuss your risk of noise-induced hearing loss and find out how to effectively preserve your hearing health.